WATFORD DUO SAY GOODBYE

WATFORD have had to part with two players as defender Dean Yates has been forced to retire from football, while young midfielder Lee Johnson has left the club by mutual consent.

The 32-year-old Yates joined The Hornets from Derby County (pictured) in July 1998 yet, after only making 10 appearances, he sustained a knee injury in October of that year.

The former England Under-21 international was out till April of this year, and following a handful of matches with the reserves, Yates has been forced to retire due to the troubled knee.

Watford manager Graham Taylor said: "In the small number of games Dean has played for us, he showed his capabilities and what a good professional he was.

"It is always sad when a player has to retire and we certainly wish Dean all the best for the future."

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Johnson leaves the club, having been a product of the Watford Academy but failing to break into the first-team at Vicarage Road.

On Johnson, Taylor said: "Lee did very well and I would compliment him on his commitment.

"However, I saw no real light at the end of the tunnel for him, and I felt it was in the best interests for both parties, if we enabled Lee to find another club."