Watford name Lewington as manager

Watford have named Ray Lewington as their new manager.

Lewington had been in a caretaker role at Vicarage Road after the sacking of Gianluca Vialli.

The 45-year-old had been promoted from reserve team manager, and was most recently manager at Brentford for just seven months - guiding them to the LDV Vans Trophy final.

The Hornets will appoint a first-team coach to work alongside Lewington in the near future.

Watford stalwart Nigel Gibbs will become reserve team manager, combining that with his current role of chief scout.

Chief executive Tim Shaw commented on the club's website: "On behalf of the entire board of directors I would like to say how delighted we are with this appointment.

"We interviewed nine quality candidates for the position, some of them twice, and Ray Lewington has come out as our number one choice totally on merit.

"It may be that not too many supporters know Ray particularly well at present, but I can assure them that once they meet him they will immediately appreciate the qualities that have led us to offer him the post."

As a player, Lewington had spells with Chelsea, Wimbledon, Fulham and Sheffield United, and also made more than 30 appearances in Canada for Vancouver Whitecaps.

Peter Taylor and Tony Adams had been linked with the vacant position at Vicarage Road but the Hornets have decided against choosing a high-profile replacement for Vialli.

The Italian failed to get Watford in the promotion picture last season as they finished 14th and he paid the price when he was dismissed on June 14.