Boothroyd makes Watford exit

Watford have parted company with manager Adrian Boothroyd by mutual consent.

The 37-year-old leaves the Coca-Cola Championship club after a disastrous 4-3 home defeat to Blackpool on Saturday which left them clear of the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

Chairman Graham Simpson said on the club's official website: "It is with some sadness that we have taken the decision that the time is right for a new manager to take Watford Football Club forward."

He added: "Both parties feel that his tenure at the club is simply at an end."

Boothroyd was furious with his side's defending after seeing them take the lead three times against the Seasiders on Saturday and still lose. He said after the match: "I've never been so irritated.

"We're making silly individual errors and you can work as much as you want on the training pitch, but these are the same players that have got promotions at other clubs and at this club.

"At this moment in time, for whatever reason, there's some absolute howlers taking place."

Boothroyd took over at Vicarage Road in March 2005 and guided them into the Barclays Premier League 14 months later after a play-off final win over Leeds. They were instantly relegated but looked on course for a return last season when they opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

However, an awful run of form after Christmas and the sale of striker Marlon King to Wigan saw them only secure a play-off place on the final day of the season where they were subsequently thrashed by Hull City.

The Hornets take on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday and have begun the search for a suitable replacement.