Watford’s chairman and chief executive officer Scott Duxbury told the club’s official website: “Nigel is an impressive coach and comes with all of the experience and success we believe can have a very positive impact on our season.

We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Nigel Pearson as Head Coach on a contract that runs initially until the end of this season.

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) December 6, 2019

“It’s been a pleasure spending time listening to the passion with which he talks about the game.

“His enthusiasm, organisation and motivation will, I’m certain, prove essential in driving the team forwards and upwards over the coming weeks and months.”

“Tomorrow gives the perfect opportunity for Nigel to be officially introduced to our supporters as Hayden leads the team in the quest for a very important three points.”

Watford are currently bottom of the Premier League with just eight points from 15 games, leaving them seven points from safety.

The 56-year-old’s most recent managerial post was with OH Leuven in Belgium but he has been out of work since February.

Pearson has also managed the likes of Derby, Southampton and Hull.