Premier League club Watford have sacked boss Claudio Ranieri after less than four months in charge.
The Italian managed to claim only seven points in 13 league games.
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Last Friday’s 3-0 home defeat to Norwich saw Watford drop into the bottom three with 18 matches left.
“The Hornets’ board recognises Claudio as a man of great integrity and honour, who will always be respected here at Vicarage Road for his efforts in leading the team with dignity,” said a club statement.
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“However the board feels that, with nearly half of the Premier League campaign remaining, a change in the head coach position now will give a new appointment sufficient time to work with a talented squad to achieve the immediate goal of retaining Premier League status.”