Watford sack Quique Sanchez Flores after one win in 10 league games

Watford have confirmed the departure of head coach Quique Sanchez Flores following their 2-1 defeat to Southampton.

Flores only returned to the club for a second spell back in September, replacing fellow Spaniard Javi Gracia following the Hornets’ poor start to the season.

Familiar territory for Watford: Five things to know…

• Flores replaced Gracia on September 7th for a second spell at Watford.
• But the Spaniard managed just one win in 10 Premier League games.
• The Hornets are bottom of the table following their 2-1 defeat to Southampton.
• Watford CEO Scott Duxbury says the appointment of a replacement head coach is “imminent”.
• This is the earliest a Premier League team has ever seen two permanent managers leave after the start of a season, beating Southampton’s record of December 8th in 2004/05.

But the 54-year-old has been unable to inspire a turnaround in the club’s fortunes, winning just two of his 12 games in charge across all competitions – and just one in the Premier League – conceding 23 goals and scoring just nine.

As a result of their poor form, Watford are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, six points from safety, with Watford Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury admitting results “dictated” the club’s decision, while he also revealed a new appointment is “imminent”.

“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,” Duxbury said in a statement on Watford’s official website.

“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.”

The statement also said no further comment will be by the club until the announcement of a new head coach.

Watford travel to Leicester City on Wednesday and the wording of the message on Flores’ departure suggests that a swift appointment may be in the pipeline as the Hornets look to salvage something from their season.

Chris Hughton, who was sacked by Brighton at the end of last season, is reported to be a leading candidate for the role while Paul Clement has also been linked to Vicarage Road.