Watford defender Scott Holding tells how kitman Richard Harvey set up his loan move to Dover Athletic

Watford youngster Scott Holding has his old kitman to thank for setting up a loan move to Dover.

Richard Harvey has a foot in both camps, having served in multiple roles at Crabble before a stint as Hornets academy kit manager.

Harvey is back helping out new Whites boss Jake Leberl and engineered the deal for centre-half Holding.

“Rich set it up,” revealed the 20-year-old.

“He was the kitman at Watford and I get on well with him - he’s a good guy.

“He mentioned Jake was coming in and wanted to rebuild and get some form going.

“He knew I wanted to get out on loan and play men’s football and Jake wanted a centre-back, so it was perfect. It’s funny how football works.”

The move has worked out well, with Stockport-born Holding winning successive man-of-the-match awards and scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw at Weymouth before Christmas.

He’s since been voted player-of-the-month for December.

Holding has impressed in the Whites backline and is enjoying the physical side of non-league football.

“It’s completely different, academy football to men’s football,” he said.

“It’s much more physical, whereas academy football is more ball-playing.

“At the end of the day, men’s football is what you’re going to come into as a professional so it’s definitely good. It’s what I needed.

“I love the physical side of it. I’m from up north, I’m from Stockport, so I love the physical battles.

“I’m a fan of playing out and everything but as a defender I love the one-on-one battles.

“I’m loving it here, especially with Jake. I’m enjoying my football. I’ve come for my development but I want to help the team.”

Holding experienced his first defeat since joining Dover when they lost 2-1 at Aveley last weekend.

An injury-time goal settled the match