As he leaves for the managerial post at Watford, Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his fond memories of life at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea reserve team manager, 35, was today (Monday) appointed as new manager at Vicarage Road after four years at Stamford Bridge, first as a youth coach before taking over the reserves in 2006.

Rodgers leaves with good wishes, and was keen to express his gratitude to Chelsea staff.

'The club have been fantastic in terms of dealing with Watford and for that I give a big thank you to Peter Kenyon and the board. It is a massive opportunity for me and I am delighted.

'I've had a wonderful four and a bit years here and I've got memories both personal and football that I will treasure for the rest of my life, but it is a new cycle to go and operate in and I am excited by the challenge, and I am really looking forward to it.'

Brendan replaces Aidy Boothroyd who left his post at the Championship side earlier this month, and links up with Frank Lampard Sr, who will join him as a consultant having helped occasionally with the reserve side here.

'I have a team of great people coming in as well as someone who is going to be there already in terms of Malky Mackay who I have big respect for,' he said. 'He has done a wonderful job there in the caretaker capacity and I am very keen for Malky to stay and work closely in my team.'

He takes with him a range of ideas picked up from Chelsea managers past and present.

'I came here with an idea of football and the reason I came was purely because of José Mourinho and to learn more about my methodology. He gave me an opportunity and I had seen my methodology was similar to his, and it was very good working with him.

'I have worked with Avram Grant and now with Luiz Felipe Scolari so I have had wonderful experiences. I have worked with children from five years of age through to the best players in the world and that has been a wonderful honour.

'I have made many friends here at Chelsea and they will remain that when I leave.'

All at Chelsea thank Brendan for his loyal service to the club since arriving as youth team coach in 2004, when he joined from Reading where he had served as Academy Director.

An announcement on Brendan's replacement, which will be an internal appointment, will be made in due course. In the meantime, youth team manager Paul Clement will be taking charge, starting with tonight's game at West Bromwich Albion.