Still took charge in February after the resignation of Javi Gracia but oversaw only three wins in 15 games and Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Coventry made it five-consecutive defeats to end the season.

The 35-year-old said after Saturday’s loss that he was planning for next season, but the club’s hierarchy wielded the axe on Sunday morning as Still became their third managerial departure of the campaign.

“Watford FC have this morning parted company with head coach Ed Still,” a statement said.

“First-team coach Karim Belhocine has also left the club. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Watford began the campaign under Paulo Pezzolano – who joined in May last year – but he was replaced by Gracia in October as the Spaniard took charge of the Hornets for a second time before resigning in February.

It is the third time that Watford have had three different managers during a single campaign under the ownership of Gino Pozzo, who is now seeking a 24th permanent head coach since 2012, and 16th in the last seven years.

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Still signed a two-and-a-half year contract in February and got off to a promising start by taking 11 points from his first seven games in charge, but his side lost six of their last seven games and were outscored 16-1 in their final five defeats.

Speaking after Saturday’s game, Still said: “I’m not oblivious to the negative momentum and the negative feeling that surrounds the club right now.

“Hopefully people have seen from day one my love for the club and how much that has grown.”