Watford withdraw under-21 side from league

Watford have withdrawn their under-21 side from the Professional Development League with a view to creating a "smoother and more realistic pathway to first-team football".

The Hornets have announced that after a review of their academy set-up, they will concentrate their efforts on the under-18 age group with the aim of both improving the overall standard of, and opportunities for, their best young players.

"This key group of young professionals will either train with the first team and/or gain experience out on loan at a much earlier stage in their Professional Development League journey," the club said., external

"The club does not believe fulfilling the U21 fixture programme is in the best interests of its young players and their prospects, so it has notified the EFL of its decision to withdraw from the league for next season."

Watford finished seventh in the Professional Development League this season, winning 12 of their 28 games.