WATFORD have told three young professionals their contracts will not be renewed. Sam Swonnell, Elliott Godfrey and keeper Steve Graham will not be retained.
"I think it was only fair to tell them sooner rather than later. The budget means we are not going to be able to re-sign many. In such a situation, we need to go for the more experienced ones," said Ray Lewington, who worked with the young players when he was reserve-team manager under Luca Vialli.
"I worked with Sammy and Elliott and, throughout their time, their application has been good. They have been model young professionals, good, nice kids and you willed them to do well," admitted the manager.
"But they have not been able to force their way in. Both have talent but I just feel there are one or two above them in the pecking order."
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