Nigel Pearson has been sacked as manager of Watford with the club just three points above the relegation zone.The club have taken the decision with just two games remaining of the Premier League season against Manchester City and Arsenal.The Daily Mail report that Watford's pathetic performance against West Ham on Friday night played a huge part in the decision to sack Pearson.The Hornets were beaten 3-1 by the Hammers, a result that sees the club still firmly in the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.Pearson's dismissal means Watford will have had FOUR different managers on the touchline during the 2019/20 season.Javi Gracia was sacked by the club back in September after a woeful start to the campaign, with his replacement Quique Sanchez Flores lasting just 85 days on his return to England.
Hayden Mullins was then made caretaker manager for a short time in December prior to Pearson's arrival the same month.The Athletic report that Mullins and Graham Stack will take charge of the club on a temporary basis for the remainder of the campaign.
The decision to remove Pearson from his post at such a crucial time in the season seems a very odd one from Watford.
Yes, the performance against West Ham was dire, but it was Pearson's arrival that sparked Watford's season into life at the start of 2020.
Journalist Henry Winter vented his frustration at the decision on social media, tweeting: "Ridiculous decision by #watfordfc to get rid of Nigel Pearson and Craig Shakespeare now. Brought spirit and belief back, some good results, revived hope of staying up. Madness.
"Pearson & Shakespeare are thick-skinned individuals, experienced in football’s fickle ways, & can be proud of their record at #watfordfc. 6 points adrift when they arrived, now 3 points clear of relegation zone, beat Man United, Wolves, LFC. Pair will be an asset to another club."
The new manager will now face the ominous task of trying to get results against both Man City and Arsenal in the next week, with relegation now looking more and more likely for the Hornets.