Gianfranco Zola has written an open letter to Watford fans after his decision to resign as head coach.

The letter on Watford's website read: I am writing this today with a very heavy heart and after a lot of consideration, to tell you that I have resigned from my head coach position at Watford.

First of all, this decision has not been made quickly. I mentioned after the game on Saturday that I wanted to think about things overnight and that is exactly what I have done.

I must place Watford Football Club first in my thoughts and it is for this reason that I have taken my action.

I feel that it is in the best interests of the team that somebody new is given the chance to bring the success which we have all hoped for and worked very hard for.

It is for a variety of reasons, and not just over one matter or one moment, that I feel this is the right decision for me, in the best interests of the club - and I know I can trust you, the supporters, to respect my decision fully.

Last season was such an amazing time, for the players, the staff and the supporters. And I loved that journey. Every minute of it brought a new challenge, different experiences and a lot of learning.

I have had supporters tell me that the Leicester game in May was the most amazing moment in their time supporting their club.

I will always remember having been welcomed so warmly to this wonderful football club, to have been supported so fully and to have been able to share moments of excitement and joy that will always live with me.

But this game does not wait and does not stop. There is always the next challenge and a new environment ahead which means nothing is ever the same.

For now, I want to wish the players, the staff, the fans and everyone else who has Watford Football Club at heart my best wishes for the future.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve this club and I am sure we will see each other again one day.

Best wishes,

Gianfranco

Read Watford's statement on Zola's resignation here.

Some of the Watford players have commented on Zola's departure here

The early favourites for the vacant job can be viewed here