Edwards to succeed Hodgson at Watford after controversial Forest Green exit

Watford have appointed Rob Edwards to succeed Roy Hodgson as their new head coach following his controversial exit from Forest Green.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince accused Watford of "doubling down on deceit" after Edwards left the club earlier on Wednesday and entered advanced talks for the position at Vicarage Road.

Edwards helped guide Rovers to the 2021/22 League Two title, finishing ahead of Exeter on goal difference, but the club confirmed he had left his position "with negotiations taking place behind our backs" over a switch to Watford.

Watford confirmed the appointment in a statement, saying Edwards "had a contractual provision allowing him to leave Forest Green Rovers at any time to discuss employment opportunities at other clubs".

The 39-year-old took over at Forest Green 12 months ago following spells in charge of Telford, Wolves U23s and England U16s.

Edwards moved into coaching following a playing career that saw him represent Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolves. He was handed his first-team debut for Villa in December 2002 by Graham Taylor, the iconic former Watford manager.

Edwards will take over from Hodgson, who is due to leave the Hornets at the end of the current campaign after failing to save the club from relegation from the Premier League.

Watford are currently on a six-game losing run and their drop back into the Championship was confirmed on Saturday after a 1-0 defeat at Hodgson's former club, Crystal Palace.

Hodgson took over at Watford in January to become their third head coach of the season after Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri, but has won just two of his 15 games in charge.

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