Watford hire Forest Green coach Edwards as new boss

Relegated Premier League club Watford have hired Rob Edwards as their new manager from the end of this season after his departure from fourth-tier champions Forest Green on Wednesday.

Edwards will replace Roy Hodgson when the former England boss leaves Vicarage Road at the conclusion of their dismal campaign on May 22.

Hodgson was on a short-term contract after arriving to succeed the sacked Claudio Ranieri and was unable to prolong Watford's one-season stay in the top-flight.

Watford's relegation to the Championship was confirmed with a defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Edwards quit Forest Green after leading them to promotion from League Two, but he departed on bad terms with the club's owner Dale Vince, who claimed Watford had negotiated the deal behind his back.

The 39-year-old is the latest in a long list of managers hired by Watford's demanding owners the Pozzo Family.

He will become Watford's eighth permanent manager since the start of 2018.

"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 Watford statement said.

"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 took over at Foret Green last year and masterminded their promotion to the third tier for the first time, including pipping Exeter to the title on the final day of the season.

He had previously worked as coach of England's Under-16 team and Wolves' Under-23s.

He also managed Wolves on an interim basis in 2016 and had a spell as boss of non-league Telford United.

Edwards' rising