4:50pm Tuesday 7th September 2010
By Frank Smith and Simon Mail
Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths says he hopes to be in a position to confirm whether the rugby club will remain at Vicarage Road by the end of this week.
Watford set Sarries a deadline of September 3 to inform the Hornets' board whether they will be staying at Vicarage Road beyond this season.
But Griffiths this afternoon said he “hoped” Saracens would announce whether they will be staying in Hertfordshire by the end of this week.
The Watford Observer understands discussions between Watford and Sarries have progressed positively today and a joint statement from the two clubs could be made as early as tomorrow.
Griffiths said: "Discussions are continuing with Watford. We have always had an excellent relationship with them. We hope to be in a position to reach a final decision by the weekend but these things take time.
"Watford have been open and constructive throughout and I couldn't speak too highly of Julian Winter and Watford in what is a challenging situation.
"We share a desire to see the stadium upgraded and we are trying to see how we can ensure this works."
Yesterday morning, Watford chief executive Julian Winter said he planned to make a “fuller announcement” today but we understand the Hornets are keen to do a joint statement tomorrow before making a further comment.
Watford activated the break clause in Sarries' 'tenancy' agreement in May, which meant the rugby club would leave Watford at the end of this season unless a new lease could be agreed.
Saracens pay Watford £489,000 a year to play at Vicarage Road but the football club have stated on a number of occasions that the sum is not enough.
The Hornets were also keen to include the development of the South-West corner of the stadium and the East Stand into discussions.
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