Former West Ham United and Crystal Palace midfielder Hayden Mullins has joined Watford’s backroom team as Under-21 assistant coach.

The 37-year-old, who joins the Hornets having been part of Reading’s Academy, will assist Under-21 boss Harry Kewell during the forthcoming Professional Development League campaign.

Born in Reading, Mullins began his career at Crystal Palace for whom he made more than 220 league appearances before moving to the Hammers for £800,000 in 2003.

He made almost 180 league appearances during five-and-a-half years at Upton Park and then moved to the south coast to join Portsmouth for whom he played in the 2010 FA Cup final in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Following a loan spell at his home town club, Mullins spent two years with Birmingham City before hanging up his boots a year ago after a spell at Notts County, having made more than 600 league appearances in his playing career.