Slavisa Jokanovic says Watford are “just a memory now” after the Serbian took charge of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The former Chelsea midfielder guided the Hornets to promotion to the Premier League last season but left Vicarage Road this summer after failing to agree a new contract with the Golden Boys.

Watford have since appointed Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores as their head coach whilst Jokanovic was announced as the Yellows’ boss yesterday on a contract understood to be worth €800,000 a season.

And speaking to his new club’s website, he said: “As a manager I had a great season with Watford and the club was promoted to the English Premier League, but this is just a memory now as I have the chance to coach Maccabi.

“The Tel Aviv management really wanted me for this position and they believe in me, my abilities and philosophy.

“It's a pleasure for me to be with Maccabi going forward. My coaching philosophy is simple, we will be a dominating team, but no one from the players to coaches will be a dominating force within the club.

“We will play good football and get solid chances to win games. Our season starts very soon and we will be very prepared and play clever football. It's time to start from the beginning and we will all be ready for this challenge.”

Tel Aviv secured the Israeli treble last season and will compete for a place in the Champions League when the qualifying stages begin next month.

Jokanovic says it is his and the club’s dream to make it into the Champions League and he added: “It will be a great challenge and we must be positive going into this competition (the Champions League).

“All of us will have to push very hard in the same direction so we can make a great summer out of the upcoming matches. It's not an easy job in front of us but anything and everything is possible.”