Watford have announced Nigel Pearson as their new manager after Quique Sanchez Flores’ short-lived return to the club.
The former Leicester boss will take over after the weekend game with Crystal Palace on a contract to the end of the season. Last seen at Belgian club Leuven, 56-year-old Pearson has been out of work since February.
His previous job in English football came at Derby where he was only given 14 games before being sacked amid a reported row with club bosses. Pearson most famously guided Leicester from League One to the Premier League in two stints between 2008 and 2015.
The former Foxes assistant Craig Shakespeare will be joining him at Watford. Pearson emerged from a field including Chris Hughton, Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce to take the Hornets job. Watford were at pains on Friday night to emphasise that Big Sam was NOT offered the position. A club insider said: “There were talks with Sam, but they did not get to the point where he was offered the job. There were family reasons why he did not want to move.”
Before taking over, Pearson described the “huge challenge” awaiting him as he attempts to replicate his great escape with the Foxes. He tweeted: “I’m really delighted to be back working in the Premier League with Watford; a huge challenge for us all, but one that we can achieve if we all work together. Thank you all for the kind wishes.”
And in welcoming Pearson, Watford chairman Scott Duxbury outlined his credentials for the role. He said: “Nigel is an impressive coach and comes with all of the experience and success we believe can have a very positive impact on our season. It’s been a pleasure spending time listening to the passion with which he talks about the game. His enthusiasm, organisation and motivation will I’m certain prove essential in driving the team forwards and upwards over the coming weeks and months.”
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