Mariappa replaces departing Gosling on Watford first-team coaching staff

Mariappa, who sits 17th on the list of all-time Hornets appearances, has continued to be involved in academy coaching so far this summer but will now join Dionisi in the senior dugout.

Gosling's next steps have not yet been confirmed but the club have said he is leaving to "pursue another opportunity".

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Gosling coached the club's Under-18s until midway through last season, before joining Ed Still's backroom staff between February and May.

He was then retained as support for Dionisi but now departs on the eve of the new season.

Dan Gosling has left Watford (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

Mariappa was briefly in the first-team setup when Charlie Daniels took charge of matches against Hull City and Southampton on an interim basis last season but was then appointed Under-21 coach when Daniels remained in Still's team.

He has continued to work with the club's youngsters since the scrapping of the Under-21 team and, according to Dionisi, is a coach of "great promise".

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The Italian told the official website: "I'm really pleased Adrian has agreed to join our staff.

"He already has a good relationship with Luca Vigiani from when they worked together under Walter Mazzarri and it has become clear to me the esteem in which he is held by everyone at the club and the fans.

"The link with the Academy is very important at this club so I am happy we are able to promote from within a coach of great promise and standards who understands this club."

Adrian Mariappa at Wembley

Mariappa played 340 senior matches for Watford, breaking through the academy and establishing himself in the first team during the 2006/07 Premier League season.

He left for Reading in the summer of 2012 before re-signing in 2016, during which he was a key figure as the Hornets reached the 2019 FA Cup final under Javi Gracia.