Boothroyd hails new Watford era

Vicarage Road is also home to Saracens rugby club

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd heralded an exciting new era after the club was granted permission for the first phase of £32.5m development of Vicarage Road.

The ground's capacity will eventually increase from 20,000 to 24,000.

Boothroyd said: "It is what happens on the grass that counts because there is no point having a great stadium if we have no-one to fill it.

"We have to make sure we have both. It is a very exciting place to be. The whole club is moving forward."

The initial work involves a housing development at the Rookery end, which will accommodate key workers from neighbouring Watford General Hospital.

The Hornets eventually want to build a new East Stand to increase the capacity.

The project is jointly funded by housing association Origin.

Work on the first phase will begin in May.

Watford chairman Graham Simpson said: "This is a pivotal moment in the history of this great club.

"This will now enable us to look forward to a new era of life at Vicarage Road and push on towards our goal of redeveloping the East Stand."

Origin are contributing £19m to the initiative, which will lead to 180 homes being built.

The club will contribute £13.5m, of which Origin will guarantee a further £4m, with £3m coming from the revenue Watford expect to make during the next three years.

Watford plan to raise the remaining £6.5m through long-term bank loans or raising funds through the sale of shares.