Hodgson humbled in dismal farewell to Vicarage Road
ROY HODGSON could well have taken charge of his final game in management.
The former England boss saw his Watford side thrashed again as his stellar career ends in misery.
Next season’s head coach Rob Edwards watched from the stands and was unveiled to fans before kick-off.
And then Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes both hit two apiece to leave Hodgson without a home win from his eight Vicarage Road games at the helm.
Now there is a chance he could leave before his contract officially ends next week.
When asked whether he has been given assurances he will take the team on the final day at Chelsea, Hodgson, 74, said: “No! Sure it’s logical [I could leave now] and if the club want to make the change now I would not kick up any fuss.
“If the club think it will be advantageous to bring the new guy in now, Ray Lewington and I will more than happily step aside and give him the chance to go to Chelsea next week. I don’t believe in walking away. But I wouldn’t be upset or complaining if the club would like to do it.
“But it’s not going to come from me.”
Hodgson also missed Watford’s lap to applaud their fans at the finish. He said: “I’m thanking them now.Walking in the rain to clap them is neither here nor there.”
Things started well forWatford as Joao Pedro fired them into a sixth-minute lead with the aid of a deflection off Timothy Castagne.
But horrible defending cost them yet again. Craig Cathcart was caught in a mix-up with Adam Masina and the ball found Youri Tielemans, who squared for James Maddison to score 18 minutes in.
Four minutes later, Edo Kayembe gave the ball straight to Maddison who crossed forVardy to head in from 14 yards.
Just a minute into the second half, sub Marc Albrighton crossed for Barnes to finish. After that the Hornets fell apart and really the visitors could have won by any scoreline. Barnes’ 70th-minute long ball was missed by Cathcart and Vardy pounced.
The Foxes went on to add a fifth four minutes from time.
Maddison’s brilliant pass found Barnes who produced a composed finish.