Watford legend Troy Deeney has vowed to “embrace” the challenges after being appointed to his first role in management.

The 35-year-old striker has been promoted to head coach at Forest Green Rovers following the departures of David Horseman and Louis Carey.

Deeney joined the League Two club as player-coach from Birmingham City in the summer and takes charge with the club languishing in the relegation places at the foot of the table with only 15 points after 20 fixtures.

The former Hornets captain told the Rovers website: “I am very pleased and honoured to be appointed as the new Head Coach. I know the fans will have many questions, which will be answered as soon as possible. We will not hide from the task at hand and will be open and honest along the way.

“One thing I can assure everyone is that we will work our very hardest to bring this wonderful club back to success. This is an exciting new role with many challenges that I'll embrace and there's a lot of work for us to do, which has already started. I look forward to welcoming fans to our home game this Friday against Gillingham."

Rovers chairman Dale Vince felt he needed to act “decisively to improve our performances and league position” and continued: “Troy came to us to begin his career in coaching and take the next step of his career – this is happening sooner than expected but he’s built strong relationships already with our staff, squad and fans - and is well placed for the challenge.

“We’ll strengthen our squad in the coming transfer window as well, to give ourselves the best chance of first securing our place in L2 before looking upward once more, toward L1 and beyond.”

Deeney’s first game in charge will be at home to Gillingham on Friday.