Damia Abella has left his role as Watford’s strategic analyst as part of the changes following the appointment of new head coach Slaven Bilic.

I understand that this is unlikely to be the last alteration to the club’s backroom football staff.

Abella joined the Hornets in January 2021, and was regularly spotted in the dug-out on matchdays.

The 40-year-old had a professional playing career that started at Barcelona and saw him clock up some 200 appearances in La Liga, most notably for Osasuna and Betis.

Towards the end of his career he was signed for Middlesbrough by Aitor Karanka, but injury limited him to just seven competitive games and he retired from playing at the relatively young age of 34.

In a tweet, he said: “Time to say goodbye. It has been two years full of great experiences. Sports experience that I will never forget. Proud and grateful for letting me be part of it. I will always wish you all the best, Watford FC.”

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