The departure of Harry Kewell as Watford Under-23 manager last night had nothing to do with head coach Walter Mazzarri, the Italian revealed today.

Mazzarri said he had been left sadenned by the sacking of the Australian last night, and said it had been a "club decision" rather than anything he had influenced.

Kewell's dismissal had not caused any huge surprise given the Under-23s terrible form during the season, and they were seen off 4-1 by Bristol City, who were in similarly poor form going into the encounter, in his final game on Monday night.

Mazzarri said: "I found it out when I was coming here this morning - it’s not my job to choose the managers of the youth sides.

"I worked very well with Harry Kewell. It was also demonstrated by how many youngsters I have put into the team this year, including Brandon Mason, but I cannot go into detail on what’s a club decision."