Watford have replaced Nigel Pearson as manager for the final two games of the Premier League season.
The club confirmed reports that Nigel Pearson has been relieved of his duties and will not be in charge for Watford’s pivotal last two games as they battle to stay out of the relegation zone.
For the second time this season Hayden Mullins has been appointed as caretaker boss, as reports state that the ownership group and Pearson fell out in recent days.
Watford have now fired three managers this season, as they sit just above the bottom three and have Manchester City and Arsenal left to play.
Pearson released the following statement on his departure from Watford.
I've been overwhelmed by the well-wishes I've received from Watford supporters and the football community. Thank you all for your kind messages. Although not able to finish the task I was brought in to achieve, I wish Watford all the best for their final two games. Cheers, Nige.
— Nigel Pearson (@NigelGPearson) July 20, 2020
The Pozzo family who own Watford have notoriously hired and fired coaches and they will be hoping for a big reaction in the final 180 minutes of the season, as they were will beaten at West Ham on Friday to leave themselves in the relegation scrap.
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They fired Javi Gracia a few months in and replaced him with former boss Quique Sanchez Flores who lasted a few months before Pearson was appointed in early December.
Pearson had a big impact early on as Watford won four of his first six games including wins over Manchester United, Wolves, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, while they also became the first team to beat Liverpool this season.
However, the Hornets have won two of their last eight games and are in a dangerous position heading into the final two games of the season.
There’s no doubt this Watford team has plenty of talent with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ismaila Sarr, Etienne Capoue, Troy Deeney and Roberto Pereyra in attack but defensively goalkeeper Ben Foster hasn’t had a lot of help this season.
Now that Pearson has left Watford, he’s left them with a chance of survival which is more than they looked to have when he first arrived.
There’s no doubt that Watford have lacked belief and direction in recent months but firing Pearson with a few games to go is a very drastic step.
