Source: Team_Talk
Hornets lose Rodgers to Royals
Rodgers, 36, lives in Reading and spent nine years with the club as academy manager before being headhunted by Jose Mourinho in 2004 for Chelsea, where he worked his way up to reserve team boss.
His short stay with Watford was a success as he led them away from danger in the Championship table and the Northern Irishman has decided to return to the Madejski Stadium as replacement for Steve Coppell.
Rodgers said: "I'm very proud of my work at Watford in what has been a short period.
"My decision to come to Watford in November has proved to be the right one. It was a difficult period in the club's history but we became one club after all the turmoil and for that I thank the supporters.
"We are now on different journeys but I wish the club every success and I'm proud to be forever connected in the history of a great club."
Watford chairman Jimmy Russo rejected an initial approach from the Royals last Friday.
But after Rodgers - handed his first chance at management by former chairman Graham Simpson in November - voiced an interest in moving west, the chairman admitted defeat and concentrated on negotiating an acceptable fee.
Russo said: "Following speculation over the Reading vacancy I had spoken to Brendan only last week and he had assured me that he was 100% committed to Watford and our plan for the future.
"But once Brendan had confirmed his desire to discuss the opportunity and Reading had met a contractual compensation figure, we were powerless to prevent him doing so.
"I then spent up until Monday evening negotiating with Reading a vastly improved compensation package, starting at £500,000 and potentially rising to £1million.
"We also had a frank and open conversation with the manager on Monday afternoon to further understand his position. It was at this stage he strongly reinforced his desire to talk to
Reading."
Rodgers then had an interview with the Berkshire outfit on Tuesday and impressed enough to be handed the reins at the Madejski Stadium.
Football consultant Frank Lampard snr and assistant manager Dean Austin are expected to join Rodgers at Reading, who will be hoping for a return to the top flight after losing in the play-offs under Coppell last month.
Watford have yet to name a caretaker manager with the board set to take their time in finding a replacement.
Coca Cola Ch'ship Promotion 09/10 Win Outright: Reading 7/2
