MARK ASHTON was promoted to the Watford PLC board to ward off interest from Manchester United, it is understood.

The chief executive is highly thought of at Old Trafford and he was rumoured to be lined up to become the club's deputy chief executive officer.

Indeed, when Ashton sold his house in London Colney recently and bought a property further north, the club's heirarchy must have feared they were going to lose their chief executive.

But chairman Graham Simpson has moved to keep the 35-year-old at Vicarage Road by offering him a place on the board and a substantial pay increase.

Simpson said Ashton's elevation was a reward for his work both on and off the pitch.

"Mark came on board three years ago and there was never a discussion about directorship," he explained.

"It was my recommendation and it was my thoughts that he should be offered the position. I think he's earned it and what he's achieved is tremendous.

"He's been very clever and visionary in the way he has allowed this club to develop."

Ashton joins Simpson, Andy Wilson and Vince and Jimmy Russo on the five-man board.

The chairman had previously claimed he prefers a small, tight-knit board but insists the change will not affect the dynamics.

Indeed, one of the reasons the Watford Supporters' Trust - who hold the same number of shares as Wilson - were denied a place on the board was because Simpson wanted to keep the numbers down.

"It doesn't change the dynamics at all," he said.

"When I first became chairman there were ten or 11 people on the board and that is very difficult to manage. You have got to make ten or 11 phone calls to reach a decision. This board is much more effective."