Watford sack Slaven Bilic and appoint Chris Wilder as new manager

Watford have sacked head coach Slaven Bilic and replaced him with Chris Wilder.

The Croatian, 54, has been relieved of his duties after just six months in charge of the Hornets. Watford, who have won just three matches since Christmas, are ninth in the Championship.

Seventeen minutes after Bilic’s departure was confirmed, Wilder was announced as their new manager. The former Sheffield United and Middlesbrough boss has been awarded a contract at Vicarage Road until the end of the season. Wilder, 55, joins the club with immediate effect.

“We are all ambitious to succeed this season, so something new is needed quickly while the opportunity of promotion is still real,” said Ben Manga, the club’s technical director. “With the January transfer window over, to change coach is the only option available to re-energise for the final games ahead.”

Bilic took over from the axed Rob Edwards in late September.

More details to follow …