Hayden Mullins is expected to take charge of Watford’s vital Premier League game away to Leicester City on Wednesday following the sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores after just 85 days.

It is possible that Watford may announce Sanchez Flores’ successor as early as Monday but, as of Sunday evening, no replacement had been agreed.

In itself that is unusual for Watford who normally have a new head coach lined up before a dismissal is confirmed but it was felt best to make a change anyway. Sanchez Flores’ return to the club was announced little over 30 minutes after Javi Gracia was dismissed just four games into the season.

Mullins, a former midfielder with West Ham United who joined the coaching staff at Watford three years ago, will step up from the Under-23s with Sanchez Flores staff having departed with him. Watford felt that it was more important to sack Sanchez Flores than have a replacement ready following the dispiriting defeat away to Southampton on Saturday.

Watford’s surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 and to leave themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one win and only eight points – their worst return at this stage of a campaign in the top-flight.