Watford sack Quique Sanchez Flores after only 12 games in charge

Watford have sacked manager Quique Sanchez Flores following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Southampton left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, six points adrift of safety.

Chris Hughton is the early odds-on favourite with Paddy Power to take over, while former Real Betis manager Quique Setien has also been linked with the Vicarage Road vacancy.

Sanchez Flores was recruited in September as a replacement for Javi Gracia following a bad start to the season, but he failed to turn things around and his second spell in charge of the Hornets has been brought to an end after just 12 games in the dugout.

Watford released a statement on Sunday saying: "With regret, Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

"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 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."

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport