Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards is emerging as a leading candidate for the Watford job, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
The Hornets will be in the Championship next season after their relegation was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Current boss Roy Hodgson is set to leave the club when his short term deal expires at the end of the season.
With the Hornets reportedly looking for a young, home-grown head coach, QPR coach and former Watford midfielder John Eustace had been reported to be the favourite for the role in the past week, but now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook says that Edwards is emerging as the leading candidate for the position.
Edwards has done a fantastic job in League Two with Forest Green Rovers this campaign.
The former England under-16's and 20's coach joined the club last summer, guiding them to the League Two title in his first season in charge at The New Lawn Stadium.
It has recently been reported that Watford are looking to change their managerial policy following relegation in an attempt to shake off the reputation that has come with the 'hire and fire' approach they have taken with head coaches at Vicarage Road under owner Gino Pozzo.
Although that model initially had success - winning the Hornets promotion from the Championship in 2014/15 and keeping them in the Premier League for five consecutive seasons - more recently, things have gotten out of hand, despite once again being promoted from the second-tier in 2020/21.
In the last three seasons alone, the Hornets have had eight different head coaches occupying the dugout, seven of which were permanent.
The Verdict
Watford are clearly looking to change their ways given the names being linked with the current Vicarage Road vacancy.
In the past, Watford fans have become accustomed to links with somewhat obscure names from overseas, but that has not been the case in recent weeks.
It seems the club really want an up-and-coming, young, home-grown man in the dugout that can build something over a period of time at Vicarage Road.
If Edwards gets the job, or any other young British manager for that matter, they will surely have doubts over the possible longevity of the position given Watford's recent managerial record.
Only time will tell if Gino Pozzo and the Watford hierarchy have really changed their ways, but surely a club who will likely be seeking an immediate return to the Premier League would be too much of enticing opportunity for an ambitious young head coach to turn down.