Watford 'step up search for Roy Hodgson successor'

Watford have stepped up their search for a successor to current manager Roy Hodgson, according to a report.

The Hornets are on the verge of an immediate return to the Championship following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Vicarage Road.

The defeat to their fellow strugglers leaves Watford 12 points off the Clarets, as well as Leeds United, in safety outside the relegation zone with only four games left to play.

Following the disappointing result, the Watford hierarchy have intensified their search for a new manager to succeed the former England boss, according to The Athletic.

After leaving Crystal Palace following the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, the 74-year-old was appointed as Watford manager on a deal until the end of the season back in January, succeeding the sacked Claudio Ranieri in the hot seat.

The report outlines how the club hierarchy were left confused by Hodgson's decision not to make substitutions during Saturday's defeat, with Watford throwing away a 1-0 lead in the final 10 minutes against Burnley.

It is reported that the board would ideally prefer to make an appointment before next weekend's trip to Palace, but that a more realistic approach would be to allow Hodgson to oversee the final four games of the campaign.

With a new manager set to take charge either this season, or ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, it will be Watford's 16th permanent boss since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012.