Watford have announced Walter Mazzarri’s departure – could it be Hull City’s Marco Silva, Leeds United’s Garry Monk or someone else who replaces the Italian?
Departing Watford manager Walter Mazzarri
Watford have announced the departure of manager Walter Mazzarri, effective after Sunday’s season finale against Manchester City.
The Italian has been in the job less than a year, after predecessor Quique Sanchez Flores left in almost identical circumstances.
Already, the bookmakers have compiled lists of potential successors, but who’s in the running?
Here are some of the early favourites – including the current Leeds United and Hull City bosses – courtesy of Oddschecker:
Garry Monk [Leeds United]
Shortest odds – 9/1 [Betfair]
Monk led Leeds to the brink of the Championship play-offs against expectation in his first season at Elland Road. However, Leeds have yet to offer the 38-year-old an extension to his contract, which is due to expire this summer. The former Swansea boss is already accustomed to working with Italian owners.
Nigel Pearson [Unattached]
Shortest odds – 9/1 [Betfair]
Pearson has been without a club since leaving Derby County in September, although he does have past experience at Premier League level, where he steered Leicester City to safety in 2015. Having said that, hiring a British boss would represent a significant change in direction for Watford, who have appointed six out of seven from overseas, with the exception – Billy McKinlay – lasting less than a fortnight.
Roy Hodgson [Unattached]
Shortest odds – 8/1 [Betway]
The former England boss has a decent track record at Premier League level, and is fondly remembered by fans of West Bromwich Albion and Fulham. Now 69, Hodgson would not be regarded a long-term appointment, which would certainly suit Watford.
Former England manager Roy Hodgson
Alan Pardew [Unattached]
Shortest odds – 7/1 [Betfair]
Linked with a surprise move to Sheffield Wednesday this week, Pardew has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace in December. His record throughout 2016 could act as a deterrent, however.
Claudio Ranieri [Unattached]
Shortest odds – 6/5 [Bet Victor]
Ranieri, a compatriot of Watford’s Pozzo family bosses, took over Leicester City in a similar predicament to Watford and turned them into Premier League champions within a year. That will no doubt appeal to a large number of Hornets fans.
Marco Silva [Hull City]
Shortest odds – Evens [Bet Victor]
Hull may have gone down under guidance of the previously unknown Portuguese, but at least he gave them a fighting chance. His contract at the KCOM Stadium is said to contain a break clause allowing him to leave for nothing this summer, but Watford aren’t the only ones linked with the former Olympiacos and Sporting boss.
Hull City manager Marco Silva
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