Published: Thursday, 4th June, 2009 3:00pm

Russo rues Rodgers' departure

by Anthony Smith

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Got his man: Royals chairman Sir John Madejski has landed Brendan Rodgers from Watford.

WATFORD chairman Jimmy Russo admitted he was 'powerless' to stop Brendan Rodgers joining Reading.

The clubs today (Thursday) confirmed the 36-year-old is returning to the Madejski Stadium after a compensation package in the region of £1 million was agreed.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman will bring a trio of assistants with him, Frank Lampard snr, Dean Austin and ex-Reading youngster Karl Halabi, the Hornets" sports scientist.

Rodgers, the club"s former Academy and reserve team boss, is likely to sign a contract for at least two years.

And Russo has spoken of the struggle he faced as he desperately fought to keep hold of him.

'Following speculation over the Reading vacancy I had spoken to Brendan only last week and he had assured me that he was 100% committed to Watford FC and our plan for the future,' said Russo.

'Once Brendan had confirmed his desire to discuss the opportunity and Reading had met a contractual compensation figure, we were powerless to prevent him doing so.'

However, cash-strapped Watford finally gave in once Reading upped the fee to around £1 million.

'I spent until Monday evening negotiating with Reading a vastly improved compensation package, starting at £500k and potentially rising to £1m,' Russo also explained in a statement on the Hornets website.

'We also had a frank and open conversation with the manager on Monday afternoon to further understand his position. It was at this stage he strongly reinforced his desire to talk to Reading.'

Rodgers spent just seven months at Vicarage Road in which time he steered them away from relegation and to a respectable 13th place, despite massive financial constraints.

His departure is a massive blow to Watford fans and a club spokesman added: 'Whilst incredibly disappointed to lose Rodgers, the club would like to place on record its thanks to Brendan for his contribution during his time at Vicarage Road.'

Royals have confirmed the appointment but are saying little more at this stage.

A club statement read: 'Reading Football Club have reached a compensation agreement with Watford Football Club with a view to appointing Brendan Rodgers as their new manager.'