Watford owner Laurence Bassini 'sorry' for no-show

Bassini has injected a further £1m in to running the club

Watford owner Laurence Bassini has apologised to supporters for failing to turn up to Tuesday's fans' forum, but has stressed he was too ill to attend.

Chairman Graham Taylor expressed his disappointment that Bassini did not take the opportunity to face fans for the first time since buying the club.

"I'm sorry if there is anyone who feels it was a wasted journey," Bassini told the club website on Wednesday.

"I hope that everyone found part, if not all, of the evening useful."

The businessman has had limited contact with supporters and the media since taking ownership at Vicarage Road in April.

"I'd like to make it clear that I did phone through to the club earlier in the afternoon to make them aware of my likely absence," he added.

"I was too ill to attend. And I am still at home unwell today [Wednesday].

"I can understand that supporters feel frustrated and let down that they were unable to talk with me directly. However, this was not a planned absence.

"I had an accident on holiday during October half-term, which led to a further complication upon my return. Then I was taken ill during the Peterborough match [29 November]."

Bassini, who vowed to inject £3.5m into the club upon his takeover, has said a further £1m will be made available "to ensure the club remains financially stable for the months ahead".

He added he is still keen to face supporters' questions, possibly in the form of a phone-in on BBC Three Counties Radio.