WATFORD have sacked manager Quique Sanchez Flores after a 2-1 defeat to Southampton left the Hornets bottom of the Premier League.
The club have said the appointment of his successor is ‘imminent’, with a number of names in the frame to take over.
Quique Sanchez Flores has been axed by WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
SunSport expects an announcement to be made tomorrow.
Flores, who only took the job three months ago, is thought to have been told of his dismissal last night but the club have waited to make an official announcement until identifying his successor.
Chris Hughton has been linked with the role with the former Brighton manager highly regarded by the decision makers at Vicarage Road.
The ex-Newcastle and Norwich boss is the favourite with bookies to take charge.
In a statement, the club said: “With regret, Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Quique Sánchez Flores.”
Hornets’ chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury added: “Quique is a man of great integrity and it was clear how much he wanted to have a positive impact, but ultimately results have dictated our decision.
“The appointment of a new Head Coach is imminent, and with nearly two-thirds of the season remaining, we will provide all the support necessary to make the coming months successful.”
UNHAPPY RETURN
It marks the end of the road for Flores who replaced Javi Garcia just four games into the season.
In what was his second stint at the club, the Spaniard failed to turn results around, winning just one game.
The latest setback was a 2-1 defeat to fellow relegation candidates Southampton that left the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
The 54-year-old had a successful spell at Watford in the 2015-2016 season as they finished mid-table while also reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
THIRD TIME LUCKY?
A change of manager means Watford will be onto their third of the season.
Whoever takes charge will have a major task to save Watford from the drop with the club currently six points from safety.
Hughton has been one of many names linked with the role.
Other managers to have been mentioned as potential replacements have been ex-West Ham chief David Moyes, former Southampton manager Mark Hughes and Paul Clement.
Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew were also reportedly considered.
However Watford could go for a leftfield choice, having done so in the past.
The nail in the coffin for Flores was defeat to SouthamptonCredit: Alamy Live News
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
