ROYLE AGREES TO RELEASE JOBSON

The 37-year-old has found life difficult at Maine Road behind the likes of Steve Howey, Laurent Charvet and Richard Dunne, and Royle has agreed to allow him to find a club at a lower level.

Jobson had a recent loan spell with Watford and Royle believes that he still has the ability to compete at that level.

Royle confirmed the decision, saying: "I've just spoken to Richard Jobson and told him we're giving him a free transfer.

"It will help him get regular football. He's 37 but there's a couple of years left in him yet.

"He played 42 competitive games last year in the First Division so he has not gone that quick that he can't play at least First Division football."

Whether Hornets boss Graham Taylor will contact Royle to make the move permanent is not yet known, but he knows that he needs something to address an alarming slump in form.