Gianfranco Zola has resigned as the head coach of Watford ahead of the Hornets’ visit to Ipswich Town this weekend.

Former Chelsea legend Zola had been in charge of Championship side Watford since July 2012 and nearly led them to promotion last season but for play-off final heartbreak against Crystal Palace.

The Hornets were expected to have challenged at the very top of the division again this campaign but have significantly underachieved, which their current mid-table position justifies.

The Watford board reluctantly accepted the resignation from the Italian who made the decision ‘in the best interests of the club’.

Watford are Ipswich Town’s bogey side and the pair are set to meet in the Championship at Portman Road on Saturday.