NATHAN Ellington has today (Friday) joined Derby County on a season-long loan with an option for the Rams to purchase the centre-forward at the end of the agreement.

The Hornets will receive a significant loan fee for the former West Bromwich Albion man, whilst the Pride Park club will also be wholly responsible for the player's salary during this time.

The striker, who joined the Golden Boys for a club record deal in August 2007, has failed to settle at Vicarage Road and had expressed an interest in rejoining his former boss Paul Jewell, who is now at Pride Park.

Ellington had previously played under Jewell at Wigan Athletic, where he enjoyed his best period of goal scoring.

Since joining Watford, Ellington has scored just four league goals, the first of which came in January following the departure of Marlon King to, ironically, Wigan.

His other goals came at Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and at home to Coventry City. In total the centre-forward has made 21 starts for the Hornets, and 17 substitute appearances.

Meanwhile, former Hornet Jordan Stewart has also joined the Rams after being released early in May prior to Watford's play-off encounters with Hull City.

Everyone at Watford would like to wish both Jordan and Nathan the very best for the forthcoming season at Pride Park.

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