Watford sack manager Walter Mazzarri

The 55-year-old was appointed Hornets boss on a three-year contract in 2016 but will leave the role after their final game of the season against Manchester City.

“After the board discussed with Walter Mazzarri the club’s future goals and aspirations, it was decided he will be stepping down from his position as the club’s head coach after the final game of the 2016/17 season,” read a statement on the club’s website.

“We thank Walter and his staff for the contribution they have made to Watford Football Club over the past year.”

Quique Sanchez Flores left Watford last summer and Slavisa Jokanovic departed a year earlier, despite leading Watford into the Premier League.

Next season will be Watford's third successive campaign in the top flight.

Watford are 16th in the table having lost their last five league games.

Mazzarri was the eighth head coach to work under Watford's Italian owner Gino Pozzo, whose family took over the club in 2012.