Following last nights controversial loss at Southampton, Watford have taken the decision to remove manager Quique Sanchez Flores from his post at Vicarage Road. The Spaniard was reappointed by the Hornets less than three months ago, when fellow countryman Javi Gracia was also sacked by Watford.
As alluded to above, this was the second coming of Flores at Watford – having been at the helm in the 2015/16 season. However, since coming back on September 7th, Quique has managed to win just one of his ten league games in charge of the Hornets. Watford currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League – so maybe it’s better they’ve acted sooner rather than later.
“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,” said chairman Scott Duxbury. “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.”
So what does all this mean? It means that Watford are now on the hunt for their TENTH manager since Gianfranco Zola left back in 2013 – but who will that manager, whom Scott Duxbury claims will be appointed “imminently”, be? Well, my money would be on Chris Hughton.
Watford’s management Carousel
60-year-old Hughton has been out of a job since he was sacked by Brighton at the end of last season so this could be the perfect opportunity for him. However, with the likes of Marco Silva also hanging by a thread, will Hughton be tempted to hang around for a better opportunity?
According to Betfair, Hughton is very likely to be the man the chairman was speaking of as he is currently the overwhelming favourite for the job. Second on their list is Mark Hughes, with Quique Setien and Slavisa Jokanovic lagging just behind them.
One thing is for certain, Watford cannot get this appointment wrong. If they do, all their hard work in becoming an established Premier League club over the last few years will have been for nothing. For me, Hughton is a good option – but will he save them from relegation? Probably not…
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