Watford's new manager Brendan Rodgers believes they can make the playoffs even though they are languishing 21st in the Championship.

The former Chelsea reserve-team boss revealed his ambitious target as he was unveiled in his new role for the first time.

"When you look at the players and the people that are here, it is much better than the position reflects," said Rodgers. "It is certainly a league where with four or five results you can go from third bottom to somewhere near the play-offs. I will be promoting that with the players.

"For me it is more than just being above relegation, it's about wanting to challenge for a play-off place, but there's an awful lot of hard work to go before that."

Rodgers, 35, has been in football all of his working life but this is the first time he has been in the hot seat and he is determined his 15 years of preparation pay off.

"It just feels right, it's like the hand in the glove, it just feels perfect," said Rodgers. "I had a number of opportunities to leave Chelsea, but to leave the job I had at a club of that status, it had to be for the right opportunity. I firmly believe this is it. I'm delighted to be given the chance."

Rodgers began his coaching career with Reading Under-15s, before becoming their Academy Director in 2003. He moved to Chelsea a year later and became a vital part of Jose Mourinho's set-up.

"I have been very fortunate to have worked from a young age with some of the best coaches, not only in this country, but in the world," said Rodgers.

"I have spent a lot of time travelling to pick up fresh ideas. I speak Spanish and have spent a lot of time in Spain.

"I have been picking up pieces along the way and adding to my own methodology, so that when the opportunity arose, I could then present my thoughts on how I think the game should be played and how I can develop that game. I have produced a plan going forward for Watford, and an integral part of that revolves around the Academy. That's for internal consumption, only for my coaches and staff, but it is something that will hopefully give us the basis for making real progress."

Rodgers begins his reign against Doncaster on Saturday and he added: "I have had many fantastic experiences. From the Champions League - to being there when Chelsea won the Premier League. They are memories I will never forget, but coming to Watford and walking out at Vicarage Road for my first game will be one of the most satisfying moments of my life."