Ranieri sacked after 16 weeks with Watford
NEWCASTLE United’s fellow relegation strugglers Watford have sacked boss Claudio Ranieri after just 16 weeks in the hot seat.
The well-travelled Italian signed a two-year deal at Vicarage Road in October, replacing Xisco Munoz with the side 15th – having taken seven points from their first seven Premier League games.
However, Ranieri only managed to double that points tally during his 13 top-flight matches in charge and has been dismissed after 112 days.
The Hornets languish in 19th place in the Premier League and sit just two points above bottomplaced Burnley, who have two games in hand on the Hertfordshire side.
The relegation rivals will go toe-to-toe in a rearranged encounter at Turf Moor this weekend, with last Friday’s chastening 3-0 home loss to struggling Norwich the final straw for the Watford hierarchy.
A club statement read: “Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Claudio Ranieri.
“The Hornets’ board recognises Claudio as a man of great integrity and honour who will always be respected here at Vicarage Road for his efforts in leading the team with dignity.
“However, the board feels that, with nearly half of the Premier League campaign remaining, a change in the head coach position now will give a new appointment sufficient time to work with a talented squad to achieve the immediate goal of retaining Premier League status.
“No further club comment will be made until this new appointment is confirmed.”
Ranieri has had a varied management career, with Watford the fourth different Premier League club he has managed.
The 70-year-old spent time in charge of Chelsea and Fulham but is best known for his incredible job in winning the Premier League title with Leicester City.