Adrian Blake makes his professional debut for Watford FC

Despite the dismal outcome under the lights at Vicarage Road, promising youngster Adrian Blake says the Hornets’ 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to MK Dons was a night he will never forget.

A proud moment. 💛

Congratulations on making your professional debut, Adrian Blake! pic.twitter.com/1maSjflXDP

— Watford FC Academy (@WatfordFCAcad) August 24, 2022

The Academy product, who has been with Watford since 2013, came off the bench in the 73rd minute to make his senior debut, becoming the club’s seventh-youngest debutant in its history at the age of 17 years and 39 days.

With the club already two goals behind, Blake’s sparkling touches and fearless forward play spearheaded the Golden Boys’ greatest run of the game as they sought a way back into the game late on. And, while their efforts eventually fell short, the adolescent was satisfied with a performance that exuded confidence and enthralled the almost 9,000 spectators in attendance.

“I’m obviously gutted we didn’t get the result tonight, but on the plus side I’m delighted to have made my first professional appearance,” said Blake.

“Rob just told me to go out there and express myself, and to not be nervous, so I just went out there with nothing to lose and tried to make something happen. I wasn’t sure where I’d be in terms of the record books but it was just a fantastic feeling, and I had family and friends in the ground watching on which was great. I’ve got to thank all of them for helping me on my journey so far, and hopefully there’ll be plenty more to come.”

Blake, a second-year scholar who impressed in the Under-18 and Under-23 categories last season, was named to the first-team bench for May’s 0-0 Premier League tie at home to Everton.

He is clearly hungry for further opportunities and is on a quest to continue impressing Head Coach Edwards now that he is more familiar with the senior set-up and has made his maiden appearance.

Blake added: “I’m a lot more familiar with all of the first-team players and staff now, and I feel I know how they like to play. They were all very supportive and congratulated me after the game, which was nice.

“This is just the start though, and hopefully there will be many more nights like this to come. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of, but hopefully that’s not the case for long!”