Watford have appointed Ray Lewington as their new manager in succession to Gianluca Viall, it was announced today.
The 45-year-old had been caretaker manager since Vialli was sacked last month as he became a victim of the financial fallout of the collapse of ITV Digital.
Lewington had joined Watford in July 2001 after coaching spells at Brentford, Fulham, whom he also played for, and Crystal Palace.
Aside from Fulham, Lewington played for Chelsea, Wimbledon and Sheffield United, and also made more than 30 appearances in Canada for Vancouver Whitecaps.
A first-team coach to work alongside Lewington will be appointed in the near future.
Peter Taylor and former England captain Tony Adams had been linked with the vacant position but the club decided against choosing a high-profile replacement for Vialli.
The Italian failed to get Watford in the promotion picture last season despite several high profile signings as they finished 14th and he paid the price when he was dismissed on June 14th.