WATFORD FC have sacked coach Ray Wilkins, fuelling speculation about manager Luca Vialli's future at Vicarage Road.

A further three members of the Watford backroom staff are set to follow the former England international out of Vicarage Road as the Hornets seek to cut costs, but the identities of those being made redundant have yet to be revealed, although it is believed they are employed in the medical and fitness areas of the club.

These departures plunge the Hornets into even deeper crisis following Sir Elton John's shock resignation after a national newspaper published a leaked letter, suggesting a number of first team players were being asked to take a pay cut as the board struggle to cope with the effects of the ITV Digital debacle.

Watford midfielder Gavin Mahon has reportedly expressed his surprise and sadness at the coach's departure, adding that he didn't think Wilkins had been given a fair crack of the whip after he was dismissed just one year into a three-year deal.

Former Manchester United and Sampdoria midfield star Wilkins was brought in as first team coach when Vialli took over the Hornets' hot seat last summer, but the pairing have come in for criticism from many quarters after Watford finished a disappointing 14th in Division One last season.

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

June 12, 2002 19:00