By Paul Holmes
June 14 2002

Watford have sacked manager Gianluca Vialli. The Italian's sacking comes in the same week as that of 3 coaching staff and assistant Ray Wilkins and just a week after Elton John resigned as chairman. Vialli was appointed as Watford manager in May of last year following a successful spell as Chelsea manager which was brought to an end by 'dressing room' politics.

Great things were predicted following his arrival at Vicarage Road following signings such as Stephen Hughes, Stephen Glass, Marcus Gayle and Ramon Vega.

However Watford never found their feet and finished a dissapointing 14th. Even Vialli admitted the season had been a let down.

Rumours had been circulating all of last season that Vialli would be sacked but never materalised until today when the club terminated his contract.

It is not known whether the dismissal was part of cut-backs or not but midfielder Gavin Mahon, who spoke out at the sacking of Wilkins, has again risked the wrath of his employees by slamming the sacking of Vialli.

"Clubs don't give their managers enough time to achieve anything - maybe they can't now.

"Vialli only had one year to bring success to Watford. But the television money going changed all that. It's sad.

"Everyone's gutted about him leaving. It's very sad news and I have no bad words to say about him.

"I understand the club has to cut back and there are a lot of clubs in the same situation because everyone is struggling to survive.

"Vialli brought me to the club and now he's gone, so where do we stand as players?"