Graham Simpson today resigned as chairman of Watford throwing the Championship club into further turmoil.

The former actor and lifelong fan has been in charge at Vicarage Road for six years and oversaw Watford's promotion to the Premier League in 2006.

But the club struggled in the wake of relegation the following season leading to mounting criticism of Simpson's regime.

Former manager Aidy Boothroyd left last month and Brendan Rodgers was appointed with the task of staving off relegation.

Simpson's board had faced a vote of no confidence from rebel shareholders, the Russo brothers, at a general meeting today but resigned first so no vote was taken.

Non-executive director Andrew Wilson, an associate of Watford's largest shareholder Lord Ashcroft, will become interim chairman.

A Watford spokesman said: "Graham Simpson has resigned with immediate effect."

Watford drew 1-1 with bottom club Doncaster on Saturday.