Nigel Pearson has thanked Watford fans for their messages of support following his sacking from the club.

Pearson became the third head coach of the season to have been given his marching orders on Sunday, despite taking Watford from nine points adrift at the foot of the table to three points above the relegation zone.

While the coach's representatives confirmed that he would not be releasing a formal statement addressing his sacking, he did send out a small message on this morning via his Twitter account in which he thanked the supporters and wished the team well in their final two matches of the season.

It reads: "I've been overwhelmed by the well-wishes I've received from Watford supporters and the football community. Thank you all for your kind messages. Although not able to finish the task I was brought in to achieve, I wish Watford all the best for their final two games. Cheers, Nige."

Along with Pearson, assistant coach Craig Shakespeare has also been relieved of his duties and former youth coaches Hayden Mullins and Graham Stack will now be in charge for the remaining two games, against Manchester City and Arsenal.