Watford sack Rob Edwards after 11 games in the Championship League

Watford have sacked Rob Edwards who was their head coach and replaced him with former West Ham, West Bromwich Albion, and Croatia manager, Slaven Bilic

Slaven Bilic has signed an 18-month contract which means that the contract could be extended if the Watford board will be satisfied with his progress.

In a statement, Gino Pozzo who owns Watford said: "As with all decisions taken by the Board, I believe this change to be in the best interests of the club. 

"We felt Rob had enough time to show us the identity of his team, however, performances haven't reflected our hopes and ambitions.

"Now we must move forward, and, in Slaven Bilic, we have secured the services of an experienced coach who has recent experience of promotion to the Premier League."

Edwards signed for Watford last summer after their relegation from the Premier League. Edwards had impressed at Forest Green after leading them to the League Two title.

Edwards had a promising start at Watford but things started heading towards south after his fourth game in charge at the club. Edwards is the 17th permanent manager to be sacked by the Pozzo family at Watford since they took over in 2012.

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Former Croatia manager Bilic takes over with Watford 10th in the Championship table ahead of a trip to Stoke on Sunday as his other staff joins him later on at the club.

"Bilic's other staff will be confirmed in due course and Watford FC will make no further comment at this time." Read a Watford statement.

Bilic guided West Brom to promotion from the Championship in 2019/20, will he do the same with Watford with a huge task ahead of him?