Forest Green have been left disappointed by the behaviour of Watford and manager Rob Edwards, who is set to swap Rovers for the Hornets.
Edwards recently guided The Green to promotion as League Two champions – but has now left the club in acrimonious fashion.
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Relegated Premier League side Watford have been in talks with Edwards over replacing current boss Roy Hodgson when the 74-year-old steps down later this month.
talkSPORT understands the Hornets are set to name Edwards as their new manager this week.
However, it appears Forest Green owner Dale Vince was left in the dark over talks between the 39-year-old Englishman and Watford.
And in confirming Edwards’ exit, Forest Green and their owner expressed their disappointment at the manner of his departure.
A statement from the Gloucestershire club read: “FGR confirms the departure of head coach Rob Edwards.
“Rob was a key part of the team that gained promotion to League One this season.
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“We’re disappointed that our support, loyalty and honesty towards Rob has been repaid in this way – with negotiations taking place behind our backs.
“We had no contact from Watford, from whom we might expect less, but in any event this kind of behaviour gives football a bad name.
“We thank Rob for all his work at FGR – forgive him the manner of his departure and wish him well.”
Vince revealed he called Edwards on Tuesday as speculation of talks mounted – and it was only then that he discovered the negotiations.
“As soon as he started speaking, I knew that it was real,” Vince told Sky Sports News.
“(He told me) that he had been in negotiations (with Watford) and felt it was a great opportunity for him.
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“Overwhelmingly for me the feeling was disappointment, because in football people come and go all of the time. The important thing is the manner of it.
“I wish him well, but it is poor from Watford, who claim to be starting a new era, and it is poor from Rob as well.
“He has let us down, but he knows it, so there it is, and we will move on.”
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