Jordan Stewart will not be part of Watford's Championship play-off squad after he was surprisingly released by the club today.

Stewart's departure was one of the worst kept secrets at Vicarage Road but many expected him to see out of the rest of the season before joining another club on a free transfer.

The decision leaves manager Aidy Boothroyd without any cover for Mat Sadler for the two games against Hull City.

Stewart has turned down two separate offers of a new deal this season, with his wage demands believed to have been the stumbling block, and his performances levels have dipped alarmingly since Boothroyd gave the full back a half-time dressing down at Loftus Road in September.

The left-back is also understood to have spoken out of turn during the hour-long dressing room inquest that took place after the defeat at home to Scunthorpe.

Stewart was dropped from the squad altogether for the trip to Blackpool, although he was one of three travelling reserves.

Derby and QPR are thought to be interested in signing Stewart who joined Watford three years ago from Leicester.

For an exclusive interview with Stewart see this week's paper.