Watford have pointed the finger at Everton over Marco Silva’s sacking.
The Portuguese coach was the subject of an approach from Goodison Park in the aftermath of Ronald Koeman’s departure earlier in the season.
Sam Allardyce was eventually unveiled as Blues manager after the Hornets rejected their offer of a £10 million compensation package for Silva.
However Watford confirmed on Sunday that they have now parted company with the 40-year-old and cited Everton’s previous interest as the reason for their decision.
“This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly,” read a club statement.
“The club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership.
“The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something which the board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised.”
Allardyce took aim at Silva’s previous candidacy for the Everton job after he was unveiled as Koeman’s successor at the end of November.
Since a 3-2 reversal to Everton, Watford won just one of their previous 11 Premier League games under Silva.
They also suffered 11 defeats in 16 matches under the one-time Benfica boss.