Watford chairman Graham Simpson has defended manager Aidy Boothroyd amid increasing calls for him to be replaced.

Hornets fans vented their frustrations at the club's management following the 1-0 defeat to relegated Scunthorpe at the weekend.

The Hornets have now picked up just one win in their last 12 Championship games, but Simpson remains confident that Boothroyd can reverse their fortunes and lead them back into the Premier League.

He told the Watford Observer: "I appointed Aidy Boothroyd and I stand by him.

"I, and the board, are going to support Aidy. He has tremendous ability and is an exceptional talent.

"I'd say to the fans, 'How much did you celebrate when we won the play-off final? How much did you jump up and down and cheer?' I would say, 'Be loyal' - I believe in loyalty and sticking by people."