Some of the videos that former goalkeeper Ben Foster posted on his YouTube channel were “disappointing” says Watford chairman Scott Duxbury – while he admitted he was also “disappointed” in some of the behaviour of former manager Roy Hodgson.

Foster’s online video channel started when games were being played behind closed doors due to the pandemic, giving fans tremendous access at a time when they couldn’t attend matches. However, he continued to use his access as a player to make videos last season, often blurring the line between a club employee and a YouTuber.

His content, while often funny and entertaining, was also at times inappropriate given the team’s results and performances.

“There are many things that occur during a season that are politically sensitive and that we can't discuss with fans in the way I would like to,” said Duxbury.

“However, now the season is over, I’ll say I think some of the videos were disappointing. Our sporting director, Cristiano Giaretta, met with Ben and asked him to stop. He promised he would, but he didn’t. He was fined.

“We want a culture of excellence at Watford. Those videos were not that. I wanted to say publicly at the time that the videos were utterly wrong and we had fined the player and asked him to stop, but it just wasn’t something I could do.

“In future, player contracts will have clauses in them to make it clear that sort of behaviour will not be permitted.”

Watford Observer:

Roy Hodgson applauding Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park after the Hornets had been relegated

Fans were somewhat divided on the question of the Foster videos, but there was almost unanimous anger when Hodgson failed to acknowledge Watford’s travelling support after the defeat at Crystal Palace which confirmed relegation to the Championship.

Hodgson was later to cite the distance from the dug-out to the away section as a reason, but TV cameras caught him glad-handing with various Palace players immediately after the full-time whistle, and he exchanged applause with the home fans on his way back to the dressing room after the game.

“I did try, after that had happened, to allude in my programme notes to things that had happened which were beyond my belief,” said Duxbury.

“Even if, as a person, your heart belongs at another club, you are still the coach of Watford. You’ve just finished a match which has seen you relegated and you ignore your own fans? No, you must go to your own fans and your own players. Words failed me.

“I’ve known Roy for many years and I was surprised and disappointed, but I suppose we must accept, if not truly understand, his explanation.”