'Deceit is part of a culture from the top... this behaviour gives football a bad name': Watford CONFIRM Rob Edwards as their new manager - but League Two winners Forest Green Rovers RAGE as their boss is lured to relegated Premier League side

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Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince is furious at Watford for taking their manager Rob Edwards without even contacting the club for permission to talk to him.

The Hornets have appointed Edwards to replace the retiring Roy Hodgson next season. 

The 39-year-old was originally a surprise name on the shortlist, having guided the Rovers to a League Two title last week.

That led Vince to let rip, slamming the 'deceit' of Watford, his 'disappointment' in Edwards and how their behaviour 'gives football a bad name'.

But Sportsmail can reveal that Edwards had a clause in his Forest Green contract that effectively makes him a free agent to take over at Vicarage Road. 

It is understood that Edwards has a clause in his contract at Forest Green that allows him to effectively become a free agent provided his gives the club written notice.

Edwards has provided the club with notice of his intended departure, which cleared him to join the Hornets. Forest Green will receive six months' compensation.

Watford are reportedly in advanced talks with Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards

The 39-year-old guided the Rovers to the League Two title and could replace Roy Hodgson

Rovers confirmed Edwards' departure from the club, but Vince did not hold back in his remarks on Watford or his former manager for the way they've conducted their business.

'It's the proper way to do things, isn't it, for the club to approach us, so that we're in the picture then they carry on and have their negotiations,' he said. 'If they come to terms, they come to terms.

'To do it in secret and not only that, Watford advised Rob not to tell us specifically, so that for me doubles down on the deceit.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince is furious at Watford for taking their manager Rob Edwards

The chairman is also disappointed in Edwards for dealing the situation in the manner he did

'It's the kind of thing that gives football a bad name and the kind of thing that shouldn't happen, but occasionally does. 

'We're a little bit in the dark still, but I believe Watford have now reached out, and so now there will be a more formal process to end Rob's time here and for him to start at Watford.'

He added: 'Ex-Premier League club, we're small even for a League Two club, let alone us being a League One club.

'I'm disappointed in Rob, I don't know Watford so I am less disappointed in them, but it doesn't speak well of them.

'Deceit is part of a culture that comes from the top, that says to me Watford have problems off the pitch as well as on the pitch.'

Vince insists the way talks have been conducted suggests Watford have problems off the pitch

Watford were relegated to the Championship following a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last week and have since made it a priority to recruit a young homegrown manager.

It is reported that discussions with Edwards took place after talks with QPR coach John Eustace previously, according to The Athletic.

Eustace much like Edwards was one of the front-runners to take over the reins as they prepare for life in the Championship once again. 

The highly-rated 42-year-old made 168 appearances for Watford during a six year spell during his playing career.

QPR coach John Eustace is also a contender to take over at the Hornets ahead of next season

He has since gone on to build a promising reputation as a coach working with Kidderminster, QPR and the Republic of Ireland, where he is assistant to Stephen Kenny. 

But talks broke down, therefore Edwards became the favourite to take over the hot seat at Vicarage Road.  

Edwards enjoyed a 14-year playing career, mainly in the Football League, including 100 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2004 and 2008.

He took caretaker charge of the west Midlands club in 2016, and has also managed Telford United, Wolves U23, England U16, before joining Forest Green last summer.

It will be a tough job for Edwards with Hodgson being Watford’s third manager this season, following Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri.

The managerial hunt was intensified since the news was confirmed that Hodgson will retire at the end of the season after a 46-year coaching career.

The managerial hunt has intensified since it was confirmed that Roy Hodgson will retire

Hodgson told Sky Sports: 'Obviously, it's a short-term [deal]. Certainly, I made it clear [to the Watford board] it would need to be a short-term one between now and the end of the season. 

'I took that job on and came out of retirement to do that particular job. Now that job has unfortunately ended. 

'I've enjoyed my time doing the job. I don't think I shall be putting my name forward anymore for further stories in the world of Premier League football. 

'It's a very demanding world and I think I've earnt the right to step back and enjoy some free time and spend some time with my wife and son.'