Marco Silva appointed as Watford head coach as Crystal Palace miss out

Watford have confirmed that Marco Silva has joined the club as their new head coach.

Silva, who impressed at Hull this season despite the Tigers' eventual relegation from the Premier League, joins Watford following the exit of Walter Mazzarri.

The 39-year-old Portuguese coach had previously been a frontrunner for the vacant position at Crystal Palace after Sam Allardyce's shock departure.

Watford chairman Scott Duxbury said on the club's website: "Marco was one of the most sought-after head coaches in the Premier League.

"His pedigree and promise speaks for itself, with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe as well as his work at Hull City last season.

"We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a head coach of his profile and potential.

"It's an exciting time to be a Watford fan and I'm sure all supporters will join me in offering Marco and his family the warmest of welcomes to Vicarage Road."

The 39-year-old Silva won the Greek title with Olympiakos in 2016 and the Portuguese Cup with Sporting in 2015. He had also coached with Estoril before moving to Hull in January of this year.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.