Watford have finally confirmed the sacking of head coach Nigel Pearson and his assistant Craig Shakespeare this evening.

News of the pair's termination came earlier in the day via various reports online which the club has now confirmed via a statement this evening.

Players had arrived at the training ground ahead of a 3pm training session this afternoon, but were called to a meeting with Gino Pozzo at 2.30pm where they were told of the coach's sacking.

The Watford Observer has been told that staff had not been told about the decision beforehand.

The statement posted online by the club was brief and simply reads: "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."

Mullins will take on Pearson's press conference duties tomorrow at 3pm ahead of Watford's home tie with Manchester City on Tuesday night.

Pearson is now the third head coach to be sacked by the Hornets this season, following Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores.

After taking over with the club nine points adrift, he oversaw a resurgence that hauled Watford out of the relegation zone, with wins over clubs including Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and champions Liverpool. 

He has been removed with two games of the season still to play and with his now former side still in with a chance of top flight survival.