Edwards heads to Watford

ROB Edwards will take over as Watford head coach at the end of the season following his departure from Forest Green.

Rovers earlier confirmed Edwards had left his role as their head coach, with owner Dale Vince hitting out at the way negotiations with Watford had taken place “behind the backs” of the Sky Bet League Two champions.

“Watford Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Rob Edwards as its new head coach, effective after the conclusion of the current 2021/22 season,” a statement from Watford read.

“Rob had a contractual provision allowing him to leave Forest Green Rovers at any time to discuss employment opportunities at other clubs and the Hornets are delighted to confirm our discussions concluded today.”

Edwards had helped guide Rovers to the League Two title, finishing ahead of Exeter on goal difference and the 39-year-old will take over with Roy Hodgson set to stand down at the end of the campaign.

Vince was left less than impressed by the turn of events, revealing he had called Edwards on Tuesday evening as speculation mounted.

“As soon as he started speaking, I knew that it was real,” Vince said. “(He told me) that he had been in negotiations (with Watford) and felt it was a great opportunity for him.

“Overwhelmingly for me the feeling was disappointment, because in football people come and go all of the time. The important thing is the manner of it.

“I wish him well, but it is poor from Watford, who claim to be starting a new era, and it is poor from Rob as well.

“He has let us down, but he knows it, so there it is, and we will move on.”