RAY LEWINGTON has been appointed Watford's caretaker manager, following the sacking of Luca Vialli last week.

National newspaper speculation over the weekend had linked a whole host of names with the vacant manager's position - including former England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor, ex-Brentford and Crystal Palace boss Steve Coppell, and Hornets' legends John Barnes and Luther Blissett - but the temporary elevation of the reserve team manager draws a line under any immediate appointment being made.

In a statement, Vicarage Road chief executive Tim Shaw said: "We will wish to interview a number of candidates for the position and so this will take some time."

Lewington has stressed he is only "filling in" until a successor to Vialli is found.

For all the latest developments from Vicarage Road, don't miss this week's issue of The Watford Observer.

June 17, 2002 13:00