The Hornets' former head of academy Nick Cox has today joined Sheffield United, the Watford Observer understands.

Cox left the Golden Boys after more than a decade at Vicarage Road at the end of November and we understand his appointment as the Blades' new academy manager was confirmed today.

He worked his way up from a part-time coach with Watford's community trust to leading the Hornets’ much-respected academy for the last two years.

Cox has played a part in the development of several of the club's current first team players, such as Tommie Hoban, Sean Murray, Jonathan Bond and Adam Thompson to name a few.