Nigel Pearson has struck an agreement with Watford to stay in charge at least until the end of a season which is now set to stretch beyond his short-term contract.

Pearson signed a deal until the end of May when he was appointed in December with the team stranded at the bottom of the Premier League having won only once in 15 games.

Under his control, Watford have been transformed, winning five times and becoming the first side this season to beat champions-elect Liverpool in the Premier League.

Nigel Pearson has agreed to stay on as Watford manager until the end of the current season

Pearson's short-term contract signed in December was due to expire at the end of May

They had climbed to 17th by the time football was suspended for the coronavirus outbreak, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference although still very much locked in a fight to survive with nine fixtures remaining.

Pearson, 56, has proved popular with the players and fans at Vicarage Road and, back in the top flight for the first time since he left Leicester in 2015, has re-established his own credentials at the top level.

He enjoys a good working relationship with owner Gino Pozzo and the board and there is an option built into his original deal to extend his contract for another season if both parties agree.

This is not expected to be considered, however, until Watford are sure which division they will be in next season. If they are relegated Pearson may find other clubs try to lure him away.