Slavisa Jokanovic has spoken of his pride at helping Watford return to the Premier League following the appointment of Quique Sanchez Flores as his successor as head coach.

Although not official until now, the Serbian’s departure has looked inevitable for some time after talks over a new contract broke down over his wage demands.

The 46-year-old has maintained a public silence throughout recent weeks but has tweeted this lunchtime: “Thank you to Watford FC fans, players and staff for their support during this season. I’m proud to have had the chance to help put this club back where they truly deserve to be. I wish you all the best in the future.”

The Hornets have also praised the work of Jokanovic and his assistants, Reuben Martinez and Javier Pereira, who have also left the club.

A statement on their website read: "Watford FC would like to take this opportunity to thank former head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, along with assistants Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira, for an outstanding contribution to the success of the club."

Jokanovic left Vicarage Road with a 60 per cent win ratio for league games during his time at the helm, the best of any manager in the club’s history having claimed 21 victories in his 35 Championship games in charge.

Appointed in October during a turbulent period for the club after Beppe Sannino had resigned, Oscar Garcia had stood down for health reasons while Billy McKinlay was axed after only two games in charge, the Hornets initially stayed in the top two under Jokanovic but then lost four matches in succession to drop to seventh in the table by the end of November.

But starting with the memorable 5-0 win at Fulham at the start of December, Watford lost only five of their remaining 27 Championship games as they secured promotion back to the top flight on the penultimate weekend of the campaign at Brighton & Hove Albion, only to be denied the title by a last-gasp Sheffield Wednesday equaliser on the final Saturday.

For more on the appointment of Flores, click here.