Former Chelsea midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic yesterday become Watford’s fourth manager of the season, bringing Billy McKinlay’s reign to an end after only eight days.

McKinlay replaced Oscar Garcia at the end of September after the former Brighton boss, who had replaced Giuseppe Sannino following his resignation, had suffered a health scare.

However, Hornets owner Gino Pozzo has now dispensed with McKinlay after just two games at the helm because he feels he needs an experienced boss with a proven track record.

Explaining the decision to hire the 46-year-old Serbian Jokanovic, Pozzo said in a statement: “Our job is always to act in the best long-term interests of this football club. There can be no compromise on this — whatever the circumstances.

“I fully support and endorse the view from our technical staff that, given the talented squad which has been assembled and our position in the league, an experienced head coach with a winning pedigree is of primary importance to help ensure the success we are all striving for.”