Watford sack Slaven Bilic and bring in Chris Wilder

Slaven Bilic has been sacked as Watford manager, with Chris Wilder taking the reins at the Sky Bet Championship club.

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 table.

Bilic's departure continues the remarkable churn of managers at Watford under the ownership of the Pozzo family over the past decade. Bilic [pictured below] was the 17th full-time appointment since July 2012.

"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."

Seventeen minutes after Bilic's departure was confirmed, Wilder was announced as Watford's 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.

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