Watford legend Doyley scouted Georgian winger who started at Barnet

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0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Nikoloz Chikovani has told the story of how he signed for Watford after catching the eye of legendary defender Lloyd Doyley at a youth tournament.

Chikovani was in action for Dinamo Tbilisi at the Daraselia Cup in 2024 when he came up against a Watford Under-18 side that had Doyley as assistant coach.

The full-back, who played 443 games for the Hornets, recommended him to the club - and he signed in September 2025.

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Having spent the first half of the season on loan at Royal Charleroi's B team in Belgium, Chikovani featured for the Under-21s throughout the second half of last season.

He started with the B-team at Barnet on Tuesday night, with Doyley in attendance, and is now aiming to keep improving in 2026/27.

He said: "I remember I had a good game [for Dinamo Tbilisi] and I'm of course grateful to Lloyd for spotting me.

"I remember thinking it was unbelievable to get an offer from Watford. I didn't need to think too much about it.

"I came directly here, and I'm really happy as I'm improving every day.

Nikoloz Chikovani also played at Boreham Wood (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

"I'm just really enjoying my time here. It's important for me to first of all improve, and then to help the team achieve success.

"I think we played well, especially in the first half. We had a lot of moments and we didn't use them."

Chikovani was helped to settle in by compatriots Saba Goglichidze and Giorgi Chakvetadze last season.

Though both have now left the club, the 19-year-old has settled in WD18 and is ready to kick on.

He said: "It was my first year outside of the country without my family, so they helped me during this time.

"The first couple of months were hard for me, but they gave me advice and now I feel really good."