Beppe Sannino stated he resigned as Watford’s head coach for the benefit of himself and the club and said “I feel I have gone as far as I can”.

Sannino today handed in his resignation and his departure was confirmed by the club tonight.

The Italian’s passion for his job and Watford has never been in doubt but his managerial style has long concerned players, and also the club.

His aggressive nature, communication and training are all understood to be issues.

The Watford Observer revealed 12 days ago that Sannino’s future was in serious doubt and he has today walked, seemingly, before he was potentially pushed.

It is a bizarre situation considering Watford are currently second in the Championship table but things have not been right at Vicarage Road for some time.

Watford’s statement included comments from Sannino where he offered a brief explanation for why he has taken the decision to resign.

"I took over a very talented squad when I arrived - but they were boys in many ways", the 57-year-old said.

"I'm proud of what we have achieved and I have no doubt that the squad now, who look very much like men who know exactly what they must do, are very capable of getting promotion from this tough Championship league."

He added: "I know I have given everything to Watford; I have given my heart and soul to the job and I have been happy to do this because of the wonderful support I have received from everyone - and most of all the fans, who are truly amazing.

"However I feel I have gone as far as I can so, for the benefit of me and the club, I feel the time is right for me to move on.

"I am convinced whoever will be in charge in the future will have everything ready for him to deliver the success that everyone at the club would wish for".

The Pozzos took over the club two years ago and this summer have constructed a squad geared for automatic promotion, with the signing of several older players with experience of English football. The club also decided against selling their prized asset Troy Deeney as they bid for a place in the Premier League.

Sannino joined the Golden Boys in December and helped improve the club’s poor form, which resulted in Gianfranco Zola’s departure.

Once the club’s play-off hopes ended, the Hornets lost their final three matches to end the campaign in 13th place.

There were arguments between Sannino and the players towards the end of last season but the club decided to stick with the Italian.

However, the issues between the club and Sannino, as well as the head coach and the players, continued and his job has been in serious doubt for more than two weeks.

Yesterday Sannino told the Watford Observer he would be travelling back to Italy for a few days before returning to training, with the rest of the players, on Tuesday.

Sannino stated he had not asked the club to clarify if his future was in serious doubt because he believed “the results are speaking clearly”.

Watford have two weeks until their next match due to the international break.

Click here and here to read Sannino's thoughts from his final game in charge, yesterday's 4-2 victory against Huddersfield Town