Watford sack Edwards and appoint Bilic

Rob Edwards 10 games into the Championship season and appointed Slaven Bilic as his replacement, the second-tier club said on Monday with the team sitting 10th in the standings. Edwards, who was appointed by Watford after they were relegated from the Premier League last season, had been poached in May from Forest Green Rovers, who had said negotiations took place "behind our backs".

Watford won three league games and lost twice under Edwards while they were knocked out of the League Cup in the second round by League One side Milton Keynes Dons. Edwards' assistant Richie Kyle will also leave the club.

"As with all decisions taken by the Board, I believe this change to be in the best interests of the club," Hornets' owner Gino Pozzo said in a statement. "We felt Rob had enough time to show us the identity of his team, however performances haven't reflected our hopes and ambitions.

"Now we must move forward, and, in Slaven Bilic, we have secured the services of an experienced coach who has recent experience of promotion to the Premier League." Bilic previously managed West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. Edwards is Watford's 17th permanent manager to lose his job since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012.