The Watford Observer understands the Premier League club’s decision to create a medical centre resulted in the departure of Richard Collinge.

Watford have created a new centre which will offer the players comprehensive access to treatment during all hours of the day.

The restructuring means there is no longer a head of medical at the club and led to Collinge’s exit last week.

Players and their families will have access to a private clinic in a central London hospital seven days a week.

In addition, there will be a full-time doctor at the club’s training ground at London Colney every day. Previously there has only been a visit from a doctor sporadically but the staff will now have the benefit of permanent access.

The newly created head of medicine will be Dr Ian Hamilton. There is also a head of rehab and the club are believed to have lined up Bristol City’s Steve Allen as a senior physio.

Giorgio Gasparini, who previously worked under Gianfranco Zola at Vicarage Road, is the head of physiotherapy. He has been instrumental in the recent changes and has significant experience of working at clubs throughout Europe.

Watford have also appointed a physiotherapist from Real Madrid whose role will include staying behind at the training ground while the team are playing away from home to work with the injured players.

The new medical centre puts the club in a much stronger position than they were in after significant improvements.

These changes have given Watford one of the best facilities in the Premier League which will cater for all of the players’ medical needs.

The Hornets are thriving on the pitch, under Walter Mazzarri, but the progressive club are determined to ensure every department matches their ambition.