Watford's search for a new head coach has been stepped up this week after their relegation from the Premier League.

Interim head coach Hayden Mullins is not thought to be the club's favourite to take over permanently and guide the club back to the top flight, with Gino Pozzo looking for a candidate with more experience.

Prior to Mullins, Nigel Pearson was in the head coach position, but was seen as something of a departure from the owners' usual choice of relatively unknown foreign coaches.

The bookies' favourite to get the job is not a British coach, but is also not unknown. Claude Puel has managed both Leicester and Southampton in the Premier League before, guiding both to top half finishes, as well as taking the Saints to League Cup final.

The odds are as low as 3/1 for him to take over.

Watford Observer:

Following Puel in second place is former Brighton boss Chris Hughton, who has twice guided sides from the Championship into the Premier League.

Prior to his promotion with the Seagulls, Hughton helped Newcastle United return to the top flight in 2010.

That experience could work in his favour for the position, while reports elsewhere suggest he would be interested.

Odds of him taking over are as low as 4/1 with some book makers.

Watford Observer:

Former Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley is also believed to be in the running, according to the bookies, after he was relieved of his duties.

His sacking, which came in the same week as Nigel Pearson's, was mainly met with confusion after a strong performance in charge of the Terriers.

Whether or not he has done enough to impress Pozzo remains to be seen, with only one Championship season under his belt, following an impressive three years with Lincoln City. Odds for him to take over are currently at 5/1.

Watford Observer:

Another foreign coach linked with the job is Zlatko Dalic, current Croatia manager.

The Croat guided his country to the World Cup final in 2018 after spells in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He would have to be persuaded to leave his current position if he were to take over at Vicarage Road and odds of that happening are thought to be around 6/1.

Watford Observer:

Next in the running is Aston Villa assistant coach John Terry, who has been number two at Villa Park since 2018.

While not too experienced, he could be tempted to do as his former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard did and try his first coaching position in the Championship.

Odds of him taking over are 9/1.

Watford Observer: