Watford confirm Marco Silva as boss after Mazzarri departure

Watford have confirmed Marco Silva will be their new manager after the departure of Walter Mazzarri.

Silva was appointed at Hull in January with the improbable task of keeping the Tigers in the Premier League – a task which he almost achieved.

But having fallen short at the final hurdle, Silva left the club and has now replaced former Napoli coach Mazzarri at Watford on a two-year deal.

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A club statement read: “Watford Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Marco Silva as Head Coach.

“The 39-year old, who has experience of managing in Portugal, Greece and most recently in England with Hull City, has signed a two-year deal at Vicarage Road.

“A title-winner in Greece with Olympiacos, he’d previously led Sporting to a third-place finish in Portugal in 2014 and delivered their first trophy – the Portuguese Cup – since 2008.

“Early managerial experiences were gained at Estoril, where he guided the club to promotion and a place in Portugal’s top-flight.

“The Greek Super League triumph in 2016 came with six games to spare, with Silva having earlier in that campaign led his team to victory at Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League match.”

Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury said of the appointment: “Marco was one of the most sought after Head Coaches in the Premier League.

“His pedigree and promise speaks for itself with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe, as well as his work at Hull City last season.”

“We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a Head Coach of his profile and potential,” he added.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Watford fan, and I’m sure all supporters will join me in offering Marco and his family the warmest of welcomes to Vicarage Road.”