Hornets begin search for Lewington replacement

Watford hope to have a “young, progressive” manager in place in time for the match with Burnley on April 2 after sacking Ray Lewington today.

Lewington took the Hornets to the Carling Cup semi-finals this season but was punished for his team’s poor league form, which has seen them take only one point from five matches.

They are now only four points above the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone.

“The board of directors are united in the feeling that now is an appropriate time to act and make a change,” said chairman Graham Simpson in an official club statement.

“We have seen a slump in form at a key point in our season, with only one point gained from our last four home matches.

“The team has recorded just four victories in 24 league matches since the beginning of November 2004.

“The two-week break in Championship fixtures provides a good opportunity for the club to have a new manager in place before we travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on April 2.

“The search for a new manager has already begun.”

According to their official website, www. watfordfc.co.uk, they are now “looking for a young progressive manager keen to forge a strong reputation in English football”.

Lewington’s former assistants Nigel Gibbs and Terry Bullivant have been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs.