Relegated Watford have appointed former Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards as their new manager from the end of the current season.

The confirmation follows Edwards' departure from Rovers, the club he has just led to the League Two title.

Forest Green had earlier said negotiations between Watford and Edwards took place "behind our backs".

Current Watford boss Roy Hodgson is due to leave the Hornets at the end of the current campaign.

Watford were relegated from the Premier League after defeat by Hodgson's former team Crystal Palace on Saturday.

In a statement, Watford said: "Rob had a contractual provision allowing him to leave Forest Green Rovers at any time to discuss employment opportunities at other clubs and the Hornets are delighted to confirm our discussions concluded today."

Edwards, 39, will become Watford's eighth permanent manager since the start of 2018.