Rodgers appeases irate Hornets fans

Anthony Smith • Published 4 Jun 2009 17:10 7 Comments

See also:

NEW Reading boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted his short stint as Watford manager left an everlasting impression on him.

In his first public statement since returning to Berkshire today (Thursday), Rodgers issued an emotional message to all Hornets fans.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman spent only seven months at Vicarage Road and many Watford fans are devastated he has gone.

And Rodgers, who used to run Reading"s Academy and reserves team, admitted the decision to re-join the club after five years away was one of the toughest he has ever had to make.

'I"m very proud of my work at Watford Football Club in what has been a short period,' he said. 'But my decision to come to Watford in November 2008 has proved to be the right one.

'It was a very difficult period in the club"s history but we became one club after all the turmoil and for that I want to say a special thank you to all the Watford supporters.

'I will never forget my walk around the pitch after the last home game of the season versus Derby County. We are now on different journeys, however I wish the club every success and I"m very proud that I will be forever connected in the history of your great club.'

Reading are expected to call a press conference tomorrow (Friday) when Rodgers will be officially unveiled.

It is clear he leaves Vicarage Road with a heavy heart but he could not resist the temptation to manage his hometown club.

'I wish all the players every happiness in their football and family lives,' he added. 'And finally on behalf of my wife and children we would like to thank the staff on matchdays at Vicarage Road - they showed great professionalism and care and this we will never forget.'

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle