WATFORD Chairman, Graham Simpson, has today (Friday) spoken for the first time about why he is now proactively looking for investors in the Club.

Graham took over the Chairmanship in September 2002 and feels the time is right to pass on his mantle to someone with fresh impetus.

A quick glance over the record books reveals a very different Watford from when Graham took over.

"The club is now in tremendous shape compared to 2002," said the 62-year-old.

"You only need to look at the Academy, the Community Trust, and the fact that we own the freehold to our ground to appreciate how far we have come. The club is run professionally and has two dynamic young men driving it forward and it seems to me that what we need now is to take it to the next level.

"When I took over I felt I could improve the business, but always knew that when I'd reached my objectives, I would move on. Having done so, I have spoken to the Board and Lord Ashcroft and we are all in agreement to the way forward.

"It is crucial to find the right person, however long it takes. Of course we want to get the best value for the company, that is my job, but I will marry that with someone who truly believes in the Club and its ethos and who will take the Club forward.

"That person will need to be able to invest in the playing squad, but, they will also need to develop the Academy which is central to this Club's future."

Focus now shifts to finding the right new investors for Watford.

"Rather than being reactive as in the recent approaches, we will be pro-active in looking for investors and the good news for any potential buyer is that the Club is in very good shape financially and has no real debt.

"However, I want to reassure everyone that nothing will change in the interim - I remain the Chairman of this club and am totally committed and focussed until we find exactly the right investor.

"Looking back I hope fans will be as proud as I am that during my term we have had three semi-finals, a play-off final, a year in the Premiership and a top six finish in the play-offs. That is a pretty good record for any Championship club.

"It has also been the most challenging job in my life, but an honour and privilege to be Chairman and I have been exceedingly fortunate to have great staff and loyal supporters.

"But, at 62 I would like to take life a little easier so that I can spend more time with my family and on my other businesses and go back to just being a fan.

"When the time comes, I sincerely hope I will be remembered for what I have achieved as Chairman."

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