Watford in advanced talks to appoint 39-year-old as Roy Hodgson’s successor

Watford are in advanced talks to appoint Rob Edwards as their new manager ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship.

The Hornets had their relegation from the Premier League confirmed at the weekend after a loss to Crystal Palace and manager Roy Hodgson has also confirmed that he won’t be staying for next season as the club heads back to the second tier.

Talks have been underway to find a successor, then, with John Eustace another man to be linked, but it looks as though Edwards is going to head to Vicarage Road from Sky Bet League Two champions Forest Green Rovers.

This comes from Watford reporter for The Athletic Adam Leventhal:

🚨 Breaking – @TheAthleticUK #WatfordFC in advanced talks with Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards over becoming Roy Hodgson’s replacement from next season. Talks with John Eustace have ended.

Details here. https://t.co/6WRHvVvQL1

— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) May 11, 2022

The Verdict

This will be a fascinating appointment should it all go through.

Edwards won accolades for the style of football he implemented at Forest Green Rovers and for the way he helped them seal promotion from the fourth tier.

Watford is a big step up for him, of course, but he’ll feel as though his methods and approach will translate well to a squad that is packed with talent and ability, even if they have dropped down from the Premier League.

All being well, this one looks likely to happen in the near future.