By Paul Holmes
July 12 2002

Watford have signed defender Sean Dyche on a free transfer after he was released by Milwall. Dyche came to the nations attention as the skipper of the Chesterfield team who took Middlesbrough to an FA Cup Semi-final replay back in 1997.

Since then he became a stalwart in the Milwall defence during their promotion campaign and first season back in the 1st Division.

Milwall could not afford to offer Dyce, along with Marc Bircham and Christophe Kinet, and were forced to release the trio.

Dyche is Ray Lewington's first signing as Watford manager just 24 hours after his appointment.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard Lewington spoke of Dyche and of how he is in talks with Marc Edworthy of Coventry. "I know Marc from his time at Crystal Palace," Lewington told the London Evening Standard. "We've talked, but nothing is certain yet.

"I'm delighted that Sean has agreed to join us.

"He's just had a tremendous season for Millwall and he's a leader out there on the pitch which is just what we need."