Watford have refused to comment on their decision to only have one announcer working on match days in the future – which has resulted in a petition with more than 600 signatures.

Sections of the Hornets’ fan base have expressed their disappointment with the club after it decided it would not use announcer Richard Short for every home game.

Instead, Short and his long-standing colleague Tim Coombs will take to the microphone alternatively – on a two games on and two games off basis – rather than the pair sharing the workload.

In the past, Coombs, who has been in the role for 15 years, has read out the opposition teams, dedications and half-time scores with Short, who has held his position for 16 years, doing the rest of the work, including announcing the home teams before kick-off.

In their initial statement on December 14, Watford said: “Watford FC have decided that there will be one single announcer on the matchday microphone going forward here at Vicarage Road.

“Radio Hornet's long-serving duo Richard Short and Tim Coombs will share those duties at forthcoming home fixtures, beginning this afternoon [against Yeovil Town] with the latter.”

Watford refused to comment when they were asked to explain the decision and would not clarify whether both men will still work on a match day, with only one on the mic.

An online petition was set up asking the club if Short could continue as the permanent, full-time announcer and it currently has 635 signatures. However, Watford refused to comment on whether they would reconsider the decision if there was enough support.

Short, who also works at Wembley for some events, did not want to comment on the matter.

Many clubs only have one announcer but there are high-profile examples where two are used, such as Manchester United and Arsenal.

Coombs was scheduled to be the announcer for Thursday’s game against Millwall, with Short returning to the microphone on Sunday when the Hornets take on Queens Park Rangers.

You can sign up to the fan-led petition here.