Head coach Tom Cleverley thanked Armand Kavaja on both a professional and personal level as his former First Team Development Coach left the club.

The pair worked together with Watford’s Under-18s when Cleverley became head coach after retiring as a player, and then when the former Hornets captain was appointed Interim Head Coach in March, he took Kavaja with him.

Upon being given the head coach role permanently, Cleverley installed Kavaja in the role that he fulfilled until today, when it was announced he would be leaving the club.

"The most important thing in my mind is to thank Armand for his loyalty not only to the club but to me on a personal level,” said Cleverley.

"I've spent every day of my short coaching career with him and I've learned greatly from him.

"He gave everything possible for the club and I wish Armand all the very best for his future in coaching and beyond.”

The exact reason for Kavaja's departure so early in the season remains unclear, and although it leaves a gap in the staff usually seen in the dug-out for first-team fixtures, Cleverley said Watford would not rush into anything and take their time before deciding what to do next.

"We'll give ourselves a little bit of time to assess the dynamic within our coaching group now,” the Hornets boss explained.

"One thing I am certain about is that we'll only add to the staff if it's someone who's going to bring extra value to the qualities we've already got within our coaching structure."

A familiar figure at London Colney for several years before his elevation to the first team set-up, Kavaja spent time working both with the Academy and Watford FC Women.

A holder of the UEFA A-Licence, he joined the Academy in 2015 as a coach and has worked alongside each age category, ranging from Under-9s to Under-16s.

Kavaja has previously had three spells as Head Coach of Watford Women as well.