‘EVERTON GOT SILVA SACKED AND WRECKED OUR SEASON’

Watford fury as Javi Gracia takes charge

FURIOUS Watford have blamed Everton for their decision to sack Marco Silva and accused them of wrecking their season.

As the Hornets moved swiftly

to instal ex-Malaga coach Javi Gracia on an 18-month deal, their simmering resentment over Toffees’ failed bid to lure Silva two months ago erupted.

Watford accused them of undermining their promising start under Silva, and putting the club’s long-term health at risk, with their “unwarranted” approaches for their head coach. Owner Gino Pozzo issued a hands-off after Everton’s 3-2 win over Watford on Bonfire Night. But they offered up to £15million in compensation until Pozzo issued a legal ceaseand-desist letter – and Everton appointed Sam Allardyce.

Pozzo appeared to leave the door ajar to future legal action if Watford are relegated. Their statement said: “Had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services, we would have continued to prosper under his leadership.

“The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something the board believes has seen a significant deterioration in focus and results to the point where the club’s long-term future has been jeopardised.”