Watford players are calling for a British manager to now be installed after the sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores.

The 54-year-old, who only returned to replace Javi Gracia in September, was dismissed on Sunday following defeat by Southampton. Nine of their previous 10 appointments have been foreign coaches.

The Daily Mail says Chris Hughton and Paul Clement have held talks over the job and there is a feeling the squad would respond to a British boss in their fight against relegation — particularly one with high motivational skills.

Sam Allardyce also has some support inside the Watford dressing room, with a number of players believing it is time a homegrown manager was handed the reins.

But it remains to be seen whether the club will change tack at this stage.