Hornets for sale

Watford are up for sale after chairman Graham Simpson announced he is looking to stand down from his position.

Simpson and the club's largest shareholder, Lord Ashcroft, are both willing to sell up if they can find "someone who is prepared to invest in the club's long-term future".

A club statement also said: "On 25 April 2008 Watford announced that it had received a tentative approach from a third party and was in preliminary discussions which may or may not lead to an offer for the Company.

"The discussions with representatives of the third party have not advanced and accordingly the Company has advised the Takeover Panel and confirms that it is no longer in discussions with any party.

"However, during this period Graham Simpson has reviewed his own position with the Club and has decided that after six years as Chairman the time is right to seek a new leader to take Watford forward.

This has been discussed with Lord Ashcroft, the Company's largest shareholder and accordingly it has been agreed that if a buyer for Watford can be found then both Lord Ashcroft and Graham Simpson will look to sell their shares."