Boothroyd departs struggling Watford

This time two seasons ago Adrian Boothroyd was considered the brightest young thing in British management. Today he is out of a job.

Watford last night parted company with their manager by mutual consent as they find themselves hovering just above the relegation zone in the Championship following Saturday's morale-sapping 4-3 home defeat to Blackpool.

Two years ago, Boothroyd, who is now 37, had unexpectedly led Watford to promotion to the Premiership and was winning plaudits for his innovative training techniques and for his scouting skills.

However, the club's chairman, Graham Simpson, announced yesterday: "It is with some sadness that we have taken the decision that the time is right for a new manager to take Watford Football Club forward. Both parties feel that his tenure at the club is simply at an end."

Boothroyd was furious with his side's defending after seeing them take the lead three times against the Seasiders on Saturday and still lose. "I have never been so irritated," he said after the game. "We're making silly individual errors and you can work as much as you want on the training pitch, but these are the same players that have gained promotions at other clubs and at this club. At this moment in time, for whatever reason, there are some absolute howlers taking place."

Boothroyd took over at Vicarage Road in March 2005 and guided them into the top flight 14 months later after a play-off final win over Leeds United.

They were immediately relegated but looked on course for a return last season when they opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table. However, an awful run of form after Christmas, and the sale of striker Marlon King to Wigan, saw them secure only a play-off place on the final day of the season. In the play-offs they were thrashed by Hull City.

That failure to return to the top flight resulted in drastic cutbacks at Vicarage Road with Nathan Ellington, Darius Henderson and Danny Shittu all leaving the club. Rebuilding work at the stadium also halted as Simpson refused to allow the club to head into financial turmoil.

Watford play Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday and have begun the search for a replacement. Boothroyd begins the rebuilding of what was once a promising reputation.

Hornets' nest: Boothroyd at Watford

*Appointed first-team coach at Leeds United in 2004

*Took over at Watford on 29 March 2005 and saved them from relegation to League One

*In 2005-06 lifted the Hornets into the Premiership with a 3-0 play-off final win over Leeds

*2006-07 Watford relegated in their first season back in the top flight, finishing bottom with 28 points

*2007-08 Boothroyd took Watford to play-offs, but lost 6-1 on aggregate to Hull City in the semi-final