Nigel Pearson has expressed his regret at not being able to finish the job he started at Watford after he was sacked by the club on Sunday.
The 56-year-old, who took charge of the Hornets in December, was surprisingly dismissed on Sunday with just two games left of the Premier League season.
Pearson has been sacked by Watford with just two matches to go of the league campaign
In a post on his official Twitter account of Monday morning, the 56-year-old said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the well-wishes I’ve received from Watford supporters and the football community. Thank you all for your kind messages.
“Although not able to finish the task I was brought in to achieve, I wish Watford all the best for their final two games. Cheers, Nige.”
Pearson is the third manager to be axed by the club this season, following the exits of Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores.
Watford were bottom of the table when the former Leicester City boss took over and they won seven of their 23 games under him.
But they were soundly beaten by West Ham on Friday and, with Manchester City and Arsenal to play in their remaining fixtures, the hierarchy have decided to end his reign.
Hayden Mullins will take charge of the team for the final two games, with Graham Stack assisting him.
Club Statement: Nigel Pearson
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 19, 2020
Mullins has been in charge of Watford’s Under-23s this term, while Stack is the head of academy goalkeeping at the club.
It is the second time Mullins has taken temporary charge of the first-team, having also stepped into the role following Sanchez Flores’ dismissal in December.
Watford’s players are understood to be shocked by Pearson’s abrupt exit, with the club still in danger of losing their Premier League status.
Watford were seven points adrift of safety when he took over at the end of 2019, and now have survival in their own hands, as they sit three points clear of the drop zone ahead of their final two matches.
A Watford statement read: “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.”