Watford Football Club has parted company with manager Aidy Boothroyd.

The club this evening confirmed Boothroyd has left the club “by mutual consent", with immediate effect.

In a statement chairman, Graham Simpson, said: “It is with some sadness that we have taken this decision, along with Aidy, 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 and, following discussions, we have mutually decided that a parting of the ways is in the best interests of all concerned.”

Some media outlets have speculated that Boothroyd has in fact been sacked.

Boothroyd, who was the 12th longest serving manager in English football, has become the 12th manager to leave his position this season.

The 37-year-old started at odds of 14-1 to be the next manager to leave his post but as the day went they shortened to 4-1 and eventuallt 6-4.

The Yorkshireman has endured a torrid time this season and Watford are currently lying 21st in the Championship, with only goal difference keeping them out of one of the relegation spots.

However, Boothroyd has enjoyed success in his time at Vicarage Road, taking Watford into the Premiership in 2006 and reached the semi finals of the FA Cup in the same season.

The club said they "will now begin the search for a suitable candidate to build on the excellent work started by Aidy Boothroyd" but did not state who will take temporary charge.

However, there is already speculation that former Hornets coach John Ward, who lost his job at Carlisle United today, will return to Vicarage Road as interim manager until a permanent replacement is found.