These are uncertain times behind the scenes at Watford - but it is clear the club must do everything they can to hold on to Tommy Smith.

The departure of chairman Graham Simpson, combined with the fact that new manager Brendan Rodgers has still not signed his contract, is causing some concern for Hornets supporters.

But with the January transfer window now just over a fortnight away, there are also fears that their best players will be sold to help balance the books, and Smith is already being headhunted.

Stoke and Blackburn are both interested in signing him, and Rodgers admits the club would have to consider an offer if a Premier League side comes calling.

But Smith's 64th-minute winner, where he managed to find space in the area to net for the 11th time this season, proves just how vital he is. Watford now have a five-point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone.

So while the board may be keen to see more funds rolling into their bank account, they should think twice before letting go of their most influential player.

Watford defender Jon Harley has been around England's top two divisions his entire career and knows the value of the forward, now in his second spell at Vicarage Road.

"Tommy is crucial to this club, without a doubt," said Harley. "Any player who has 11 goals by this stage is great - especially one who is not playing as a forward.

"He has been fantastic and you want to keep hold of a player like him. His performance here was good, just as he has been all season. He's a huge player for us."

Victory over Norwich is Rodgers's first success since moving to the club from Chelsea.

The scoreline was somewhat flattering, though, as they were gifted both goals and were completely outplayed.

Rodgers promised an attractive style of passing football when he arrived. Unfortunately, his side spent most of their time last night playing panic balls and chasing Norwich shadows.

Both goals came from mistakes by keeper David Marshall. In the first instance he struck a clearance straight into the path of Liam Bridcutt - who in turn found Tamas Priskin and the Hungarian fired home.

Then, three minutes after Lee Croft headed an equaliser, Smith's shot slipped beyond the grasp of the despairing Marshall.

It was not a deserved win, but it counts all the same. And Harley is adamant that a new brand of football will soon be on display - allowing the Hornets to push for the heights of the play-offs.

"It was important to win this one and it's been coming," he said. "It wasn't the best performance we've had under Brendan so far but it doesn't matter if we win ugly. Sometimes you just need to get the points.

"After what I have seen in training I know what is to come. It's great and it's going to come sooner or later. Without doubt results are going to turn around. With Christmas coming, it will kick us on.

"It's important to start looking up the league rather than below us. In the New Year we will be trying to push for a play-off spot."

Rodgers confirmed he has yet to sign his contract and may even be waiting for the boardroom upheaval to be resolved before committing himself.

"My contract will be done quickly," he said last night. "There are a couple of bits and bobs to get around and the time scale has been difficult.

"How long will the contract be for? Twenty years!"

Jokes aside, though, Watford chief executive Mark Ashton is set to be next out as the boardroom battles go on. Standard Sport believes Ashton's exit will pave the way for Jimmy and Vince Russo to be re-elected to the board.