Watford have confirmed they have sacked manager Nigel Pearson ahead of their final two Premier League games of the season.
Wins against Norwich and Newcastle lifted the club three points clear of the relegation zone but Friday night's 3-1 loss to West Ham means their spot in the top flight next term is still far from certain.
The news first broke earlier on Sunday, with reports revealing the Hornets had already let the former Leicester boss go, and the Hertfordshire side have now confirmed Pearson's departure.
Club Statement: Nigel Pearson
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 19, 2020
A statement from the club reads: "Watford FC confirms that Nigel Pearson has left the club with immediate effect.
"Hayden Mullins, with Graham Stack as his assistant, will take up the position of Interim Head Coach for the Hornets’ final two Premier League fixtures of the 2019/20 season."
"There will be no further club comment."
While Watford are above the relegation zone by three points, with the onus very much on both Bournemouth and Aston Villa to make up the difference, they face two tricky games against Manchester City and Arsenal in Premier League's final week.
Javi Gracia was dismissed in September following a run which left Watford bottom of the Premier League with just one point. Quique Sanchez Flores was swiftly appointed as Gracia's successor but was gone by early December before Pearson's arrival on the deal until the end of the season.
Pearson guided Watford to seven Premier League wins during his time at Vicarage Road - including the memorable 3-0 victory over Liverpool before football's hiatus - but survival is clearly on the club owners' minds ahead of the City and Arsenal games.
Under-23 coach Mullins previously took charge of the 2-0 defeat to Leicester and the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace before Pearson took full control.
For more from Jude Summerfield, follow him on Twitter!
Source : 90min