Watford confirms manager Quique Sanchez Flores to leave Hornets after Sunderland game

Watford have confirmed the departure of manager Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of the season. The 51-year-old Spaniard will say goodbye to Vicarage Road following the Sunderland game on Sunday (15 May) despite the club saying "he and the team achieved the target set them at the start of the season".

The former Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Benfica boss replaced Slavisa Jokanovic in the summer even though the current Fulham manager had won promotion with the Hornets to the Premier League last season. Flores then became Watford's fifth manager in just a year after signing a two-year contract but with a clause that could be activated by either parties at the end of the current campaign.

The Spaniard enjoyed an impressive start to life at Vicarage Road after managing to get the best from a completely new side with 15 summer signings. He led his side to the FA Cup semi-finals and guided them to safety in the club's first-season in the top flight. The club is currently 13th in the Premier League with 44 points.

However, having won just two of their past 11 games, his position came under increasing scrutiny given that the Hornets were seventh at Christmas. His departure at the end of the season had become one of the worst kept secrets in football in recent weeks and the club have now confirmed his departure.

"WATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB can confirm that Quique Sanchez Flores will leave Vicarage Road at the end of the season following the Sunderland game this weekend," the club confirmed. "We would like to thank Quique. He and the team achieved the target set them at the start of the season of staying in the Premier League for a second year.

"Quique leaves with all our best wishes for the future and the knowledge he is always welcome at Vicarage Road."