Watford announced on Tuesday that former Chelsea midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic has replaced Billy McKinlay as manager, making him the English second-tier club's fourth head coach of the season.

Former Scotland midfielder McKinlay, 45, had only been in the role for eight days, having taken over from Oscar Garcia after the Spaniard suffered a health scare.

Watford won one and drew one of two matches played under the former Scotland midfielder McKinlay.

Garcia had been appointed at the beginning of September following the resignation of Italian Beppe Sannino.

Watford owner Gino Pozzo told the club website: "Our job is always to act in the best long-term interests of this football club. There can be no compromise on this, whatever the circumstances.

"I fully support and endorse the view from our technical staff that, given the talented squad which has been assembled and our position in the league, an experienced head coach with a winning pedigree is of primary importance to help ensure the success we are all striving for."

Watford are currently in third place in the Championship, level on points with leaders Nottingham Forest and second-place Norwich City after 11 games of the season.

Serbian Jokanovic, 46, spent two years at Chelsea between 2000 and 2002.

The former Yugoslavia international retired from playing in 2004 and has previously coached Partizan Belgrade, Thai club Muangthong United, Bulgarian giants Levski Sofia and Spanish outfit Hercules.