Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin is the early 6/1 favourite with Stan James to be the next Watford manager.

The Italian is the head coach of Udinese, who are also owned by the Pozzos, which probably explains the link. But Guidolin’s side have been struggling this season and are currently 15th in Serie A.

Real Madrid assistant head coach Paul Clement is the second favourite at 7/1 while Ian Holloway and former West Brom boss Steve Clarke, who was dismissed on Saturday, can both be backed at 8/1.

Former Sunderland and Swindon coach Paolo Di Canio is next in the betting at 10/1. Roberto Di Matteo, a close friend of Gianfranco Zola, is available at 12/1 which is the same price as proven Championship manager Neil Warnock.

Zola has been backed with bet365 punters for the vacant Tottenham Hotspur and West Brom jobs.

The Italian is 6/1 to take over the Baggies and is 10/1 to replace Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane. 

Read Watford's statement on Zola's resignation here.

Zola has written an open letter to the fans which can be read here

Some of the Watford players have commented on Zola's departure and these can be viewed here