Hughton set for Hornets after Flores is dismissed
FORMER Newcastle and Brighton boss Chris Hughton is favourite to take charge at Watford after Quique Sanchez Flores was sacked after 85 days in charge.
The Premier League’s bottom club announced the exit of their second manager of the season the day after their 2-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Southampton.
Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury said: ‘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 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.’
Sanchez Flores only returned for his second spell at Vicarage Road on September 7, replacing fellow Spaniard Javi Gracia, who was dismissed following a poor start to the season.
But the 54-year-old, who was also at the helm for the 2015/16 campaign, could not reverse the club’s fortunes, winning just one of his ten league games in charge, against Norwich.
He also saw his side hammered 8-0 at Manchester City, but ultimately it was Saturday’s defeat at St Mary’s, where they were on course to win before conceding two late goals, which sealed Sanchez Flores’ fate.
That loss, plus Norwich’s draw with Arsenal, left Watford three points adrift at the bottom.
Sanchez Flores is the third Premier League boss to be sacked in less than two weeks following Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and Unai Emery at Arsenal.
In a statement, he said: ‘I would love to say a big thank you from my heart for the appreciation, respect and support I’ve felt in each moment I’ve lived in the lovely family that Watford FC is. I wish you all the best. Stay strong. You’ll always be in my heart.’