OFFICIAL: Quique Flores leaves Watford as they sack their 2nd coach this season

Watford have wielded the axe on their second manager of the season, sacking Quique Sanchez Flores just 85 days after his return to the struggling club.

The Hornets dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table on Saturday night following their defeat at basement boys Southampton, and that has proved to be the final straw for the club's hierarchy.

Sanchez Flores only returned to the club for a second spell in charge on September 7, and has overseen one win from 10 games.

The Spaniard leaves the club six points adrift of safety, and was told of his sacking at a meeting at the club's training ground on Sunday.

Sanchez Flores was afforded the chance to say goodbye to his players, who were also at the training ground for their usual Sunday session.

The dressing room has soured towards Sanchez Flores in recent weeks, with some players unhappy at certain tactical decisions.

He opted to bring on Andre Gray instead of Troy Deeney in defeat against Saints despite the team feeling a hold-up player was needed.

Former Brighton boss Chris Hughton is a strong contender to take over the top job at Vicarage Road, and has plenty of admirers at the club.

Sanchez Flores previously led Watford between June 2015 and May 2016 before the club decided to dispense with his services.

He was then returned to the manager's office when previous boss Javi Gracia paid the price for a poor start to the season.

Watford took a first-half lead through Ismaila Sarr at St Mary's on Saturday night, but Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse secured a vital three points for relegation rivals Southampton.