Defender Craig Cathcart has left Watford after a nine-year stint at Vicarage Road as his contract came to an end today.

The 34-year-old Northern Ireland international made 29 appearances for the Hornets last season, but didn’t feature in the first team after the 2-2 draw at Coventry in April.

Overall, Cathcart made 262 appearances for the club, including a loan spell at Vicarage Road back in 2009. He also netted eight goals but, more significantly for a defender, he contributed to more than 70 clean sheets.

He was only 20 when he first played for Watford on loan from Manchester United, making 12 outings for Malky Mackay’s side.

Cathcart left United for Blackpool in a permanent transfer in 2010, and his four years with the Seasiders saw him amass 117 appearances.

He signed for Watford in June 2014, and scored on his ‘second debut’ for the club when he netted against Bournemouth in September.

The defender also scored a memorable bicycle-kick against Birmingham in the same season.

The Northern Irishman was a lynchpin of the Watford defence during five seasons in the Premier League, and was part of the team that reached the 2019 FA Cup Final.

He made 25 appearances the following season as the Hornets bounced back to the Premier League with the joint-best defensive record in Championship history.

He clocked up another 31 outings in the top flight and during last season he passed the 250-match mark for Watford when he played at Swansea in December.

Cathcart took his international caps beyond 70 during his nine years at Vicarage Road, captaining Northern Ireland on many occasions – an honour he also enjoyed for Watford.

Talking about his departure, Cathcart said: “Thanks to all the people at the club that have helped me along the way, through the highs and lows.

“The club has given me a lot, I’ve made some lifelong friendships and some memories that I’ll never forget.

“All the best for the future to everyone connected with Watford.”