Former Watford owner Laurence Bassini enjoyed seeing his old club fail in their promotion playoff final against Crystal Palace.

Bassini left the club last summer but in March was given a three-year ban from football for financial misconduct relating to a number of transfers, including Danny Graham's move from Watford to Swansea in 2011.

Bassini's dealings also left Watford under a transfer embargo but the businessman showed no remorse in his messages to Frank Smith, of the Watford Observer.

"How is the feeling in the town now? Ask Anthony [Matthews, the group sports editor] because for me the feeling is amazing," said Bassini.

"This is my happiest memory of Watford. Print this in the paper, Laurence Bassini.

"I have to go now and open the Champagne. All my love to Watford."