Watford players have continued to react on Twitter to Gianfranco Zola's resignation as Hornets head coach.

Italian defender Marco Cassetti, who joined Watford in August 2012, wrote: "I'm so sad today when I have know Zola resigns as Watford manager. One of the best person I meet in my career . All the best."

Fitz Hall ‏also paid tribute to his former boss last night, tweeting: "Just like to say it's been a pleasure to work for Gianfranco Zola the nicest man I've ever met on & off the pitch. Will be missed by every1!"

Cristian Battocchio tweeted in Italian: "Not only a great coach ... A great man, a humble and wonderful person on and off the field! We will miss you..."

Hector Bellerin has only made four appearances under Zola after joining the Hornets on loan from Arsenal but he thanked the Italian for giving him a chance at Vicarage Road.

Bellerin tweeted: "Gutted for the news Gianfranco Zola resigned. Very grateful for the chance he's given me to play with Watford at this level. Thank you!"

Watford defender Daniel Pudil described Zola as one of the best managers he has played under.

Zola this afternoon resigned as the Hornets' head coach after a run of nine matches without a win and five consecutive home defeats.

Czech Republic international Pudil has been alongside Zola for the whole of his 17 months in charge and joined the club permanently in the summer after his successful loan spell last season.

Pudil tweeted: "Mr Zola was one of the best managers I ever had. Was pleasure for me to work with him. Thank you for the amazing one and half years! All the best."

Young centre half Tommie Hoban became a first team regular under Zola prior to his long-term injury.

He tweeted: "Zola was fantastic for me personally and for the team in my opinion. Very sad to see him go. Wish him all the best for the future."

Hoban wasn't the only young Watford player to thank Zola.

He may not have featured for the first team since he joined in the summer, but Uche Ikpeazu said: "Zola was the nicest person and manager that I have ever come across, very thankful for what he taught me in the short time I knew him.

"Even though I didn't make my debut under him, I learnt a lot in a short space of time and I am very grateful. Wish him the best."

One player who did make their debut under Zola was academy graduate Bernard Mensah.

He tweeted: "Would just like to take the time to thank Gianfranco Zola for everything he's done for me! Most notably giving me my debut.

"He has had nothing but a positive effect on my career and has helped me improve leaps and bounds! Would like to wish him all the best in the future.

"I am truly sad to see him go! He was such a talented manager but most of all a great man! Glad to have worked under him!"

Ikechi Anya went from being a squad player at the Hornets last year to a Scotland international under Zola.

Tweeting on Saturday night prior to Zola's decision to resign, he said: "I've seen a lot of opinions tonight which is cool - after all that is what social media is about and I respect them - but in my opinion Watford FC are very lucky to have Zola as manager.

"[It is] far from brown nosing because in 2012, when I was in the stands/bench (due to him), I was saying exactly the same to now, when I am a starter and Scottish international (partly due to him).

"My integrity as a man will always trump any football matter - it is just the way I'm built - but at the end of the day, real recognise real."

George Thorne, who is on loan at Watford from West Bromwich Albion, who sacked head coach Steve Clarke on Saturday night, Tweeted: "Gutted. Massive respect for both Steve Clarke and Ganfranco Zola."

Read the club's statement on Zola's departure here

Zola's open letter to supporters can be viewed here

Some of the early favourites to replace Zola can be seen here