Reggae Boy Gray released after Watford relegation

LONDON, (CMC):

RELEGATED ENGLISH Premier League club Watford have released Reggae Boy Andre Gray and Bermuda forward Kane Crichlow from their roster ahead of the drop to the Championship next season.

Striker Gray, 30, who moved to Watford on a five-year contract in 2017, joined Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan last season, netting 10 goals – as well as scoring twice for Jamaica in World Cup qualifiers.

The 21-year-old Crichlow, who made a solitary appearance for Watford’s first team, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 defeat away to Newport County in a League Cup game in 2020, was one of 19 players who have not been retained by the Hornets.

Crichlow, who has scored four times in as many appearances for Bermuda’s Gombey Warriors, endured mixed fortunes at Vicarage Road after signing from AFC Wimbledon in 2019 and breaking into the senior squad before seeing his progression curtailed by a broken ankle while taking part in first-team training.

Having made a full recovery at the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, Crichlow looked to have earned his way back into contention, resulting in the club exercising the option of a one-year extension to his original two-year deal at the beginning of last season.

However, with the extension expiring at the end of May, his time with the club has drawn to a close.

Rob Edwards, who guided Forest Green Rovers to their first promotion to League One after being crowned League Two champions this season, has succeeded former England manager Roy Hodgson as Watford’s new head coach.