Watford’s assistant Academy manager Mark Warburton has left the club.

Warburton worked his way up from part-time coach to Academy manager before the club’s reshuffle in the summer resulted in him become assistant Academy manager for 17 to 19-year-olds.

A statement on Watford’s website read: “Mark leaves to pursue other sporting interests and we wish him every success in his future ventures.”

First team coach David Kerslake is expected to take charge of the Academy side for their FA Youth Cup quarter final match against Chelsea, as he did against Liverpool on Monday.

Kerslake is likely to remain in charge until a replacement is found.