Duxbury and Johnson hail Gilligan's Watford Academy work

Those were the warm words of chairman Scott Duxbury expressing the Hornets’ gratitude to the head of technical development, who is leaving to take up a new role with Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi.

“Alongside Richard Johnson, Jimmy has done an incredible job in building the Academy to a degree where it is regarded as one of the finest at any level of the game,” the club’s chairman and CEO told the club website.

“Jimmy came back four years ago to the club that clearly has a very special place in his heart and we are extremely grateful and indebted to the vision, dedication and devotion he has shown in bringing through wave after wave of graduates and the infrastructure he has created.

“Jimmy will be sorely missed but we wish him the very best in his next venture. He and his family will always be welcome back at the training ground and Vicarage Road."

• Another former Watford player in line to replace Gilligan

• Hornets on verge of announcing next new signing

The former Hornets striker returned to the club in 2021 and since then several players, most notably Ryan Andrews, have risen through the ranks to feature for the first team.

As we reported earlier, Watford are in advanced talks for another ex-player to replace Gilligan, but Academy director Johnson admitted they will be difficult shoes to fill.

“Jimmy leaving will leave a huge void in the Academy, not only because of his knowledge and experience within youth development but because of the person he is,” Johnson told watfordfc.com. 

“The last four years working with Jimmy has been enjoyable, stressful and entertaining, all wrapped into one. The Academy has seen a lot of change since we joined in terms of the environment, culture and staffing structure that was needed to provide the best opportunity for the players to succeed. 

“We have had a very productive period over the past four years in terms of the goals that were set out when we joined. Jimmy has played a major part in that success and has helped make the Academy productive and sustainable.

“His positivity and energy will be missed by players and staff alike. On a personal note, Jimmy has been a massive support to myself throughout this period and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to strengthen not only our working relationship but our friendship as well.”