Sir Elton John identifies Ben Foster as Watford's weak link

Duxbury revealed the exchange during an interview with the 'Financial Times', joking that he receives texts from the former Watford owner on a daily basis.

The message in read: "Tom Heaton. I'd still buy him. [Ben] Foster's not consistent. Love, Elton."

It came in the immediate aftermath of Watford's thumping home 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth back on October 6.

The loss was Watford's third in four games following a fine start to the season as goals from David Brooks, Josh King (two) and Callum Wilson secured a comfortable victory for Eddie Howe's side.

John is considered akin to royalty at Vicarage Road, where he has a stand named after him, having owned Watford between 1976 and 1987 and again between 1997-2002.

An honourary Life President, Sir Elton's advice was politely declined on this occasion, though Duxbury was keen to stress that the message was sent in "a light-hearted way".