Watford sack manager Marco Silva and blame 'unwarranted' Everton approach for decline in form

Watford have sacked manager Marco Silva following Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

The Hornets have won just one Premier League game in 11 and sit just five points clear of the relegation zone.

Watford enjoyed a fine start under Silva and sat fourth in the table at one stage, but the club's form dipped dramatically following November's 3-0 victory over Newcastle at St. James' Park. Their slump followed an approach from Everton for boss Silva and Watford believe the attempt to lure their manager away prompted a "significant deterioration in both focus and results".

A Watford statement said: "This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly. The Club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership.

"The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something which the Board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised.

"For the security and success of the football club, the Board believes it has to make a change.

"The Club will seek to make a swift appointment and there will be no further comment until that appointment has been made."