WATFORD chairman Graham Simpson has been expressing his delight at Watford boss Ray Lewington's decision to accept a new one-year rolling contract.

However, Watford's board were not rushed to the decision to award Lewington a new deal as a result of the club's surprisingly good start to the season.

Stressed chairman Graham Simpson: "We have been planning this since the end of last season. We needed time strategically, because all our concentration was aimed at buying back the ground. We are very confident about this decision and I am personally delighted. We interviewed nine prospective managers two years ago and I personally believed he was the man for the job. He was superb and convinced us all he was the right man to take us forward.

"I always felt he needed time and strenuously tried to help. He had to have the time to sort out what was going to be his team.

"As we are all aware that does not happen overnight especially with the constrictions in the shape of lack of funds.

"We are now in a very exciting position and we hope we remain so, but we know, we have to keep our feet on the ground because we are building something special at Watford over a period of time.

"So personally I am very delighted, for Ray has shown everyone at Watford what he is capable of. He deserves a new contract."

Nigel Gibbs has been promoted to assistant-manager and his improved contract has been extended to June 2006.

Added the chairman: "I am also very pleased for Nigel who I feel has developed tremendously with Ray and Terry Burton and deserved his chance to move up the ladder. I am sure he will do an excellent job. Terry Burton's departure was not planned but I am very pleased that Ray knew exactly who he wanted in the shape of Terry Bullivant who we welcome aboard, having signed to 2006."

For the full interview, see this week's Watford Observer.