Slavisa Jokanovic says his new English assistant coach - who the Watford Observer understands is Nigel Gibbs - will improve communication between the coaching staff and the players.

Last Friday we reported Hornets legend Gibbs was set to rejoin the Golden Boys’ coaching staff and whilst Jokanovic hasn’t mentioned names, he admits he needs a “native English voice” on the training pitch.

Speaking yesterday, Jokanovic said: “It was my idea to have an English coach on the staff and I expect there to be some news on this next week. I don’t want to speak about names.

“I need an English coach. We are in England and there are many foreign coaches on my staff. I need a native English voice in training if something isn’t 100 per cent clear.

“It will help us have better communication with my team.”

Gibbs came through the youth system at Watford and played 491 times for the club in all competitions. He went on to be the Hornets’ chief scout, reserve team manager and assistant manager.

The former defender left Watford after more than two decades of service in 2005. 

The 49-year-old was in the directors box with other Watford officials during the Hornets’ 5-0 win against Fulham.