Former Watford Player of the Season and goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain is leaving Vicarage Road after more than 20 years with the Hornets.

The departure is described as “amicable” by the club, with Chamberlain moving on “to take up some new challenges in his football coaching career”.

Having been on the books of both Everton and Liverpool and local rivals Luton Town among other clubs, the Cambridegshire-born stopper moved to Vicarage Road in the summer of 1996 and became a vital figure in Graham Taylor’s promotion-winning squads, culminating in their 2-0 Play-Off Final triumph over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley in 1999.

Player of the Season in both 1997/98 and 2001/02, Chamberlain went on to become first-team goalkeeper coach and was to enjoy more Hornets’ Play-Off success in 2006 when he was on the bench for the 3-0 victory over Leeds United at the Millennium Stadium.

Chamberlain, who has been coaching in the Hornets Academy, is currently working with former teammate Rob Page as part of the Wales Under-21 set-up.

Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club website: “Alec’s contribution to this club is significant and will remain undiminished by the passing of time.

“I first met him as the club’s goalkeeper coach, but it was clear the esteem he was held in by supporters and staff alike. That’s testament to the contributions he has made to this club over a very long period of time.

“I’m sure Alec will be successful in whatever he chooses to do next and we wish him all the very best for the future. He’ll always be a very welcome visitor here at Vicarage Road.”