Watford have, as expected, confirmed that the happy egg company will not be their shirt sponsors, but will now become an ‘official partner’.

The Watford Observer reported last week that the Hornets were considering changing their sponsors following the takeover by the Pozzo family and Watford have released the following statement on their official website.

It reads: The happy egg co. are to become an official partner to Watford Football Club – in a change to their originally-confirmed association.

The company – part of the hugely successful Noble Foods group – have kindly agreed to allow the Hornets to explore some potentially lucrative shirt partnership opportunities, given the significant interest generated since the recent takeover by the Pozzo family.

Watford FC is certain that the happy egg co. and its senior personnel – some of whom are long-standing supporters of the Hornets – will remain valued principle partners to the club throughout the 2012/13 season and beyond.

“We are extremely grateful for the good grace with which the happy egg company have considered our request,” said Hornets’ chief executive officer Scott Duxbury.

Steve Horton, marketing director of the happy egg company, added: “We share a common goal in wanting the best for Watford so we were happy to step aside, so to speak, for the benefit of the club.

“We are very pleased to be official partners and look forward to an exciting time ahead for both the happy egg co. and Watford FC .”