Watford appoint Hodgson as new manager

Watford's search for a new manager ended Tuesday when Roy Hodgson was unveiled as Claudio Ranieri's replacement, the Premier League club confirmed.

Hodgson, who has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season, will be joined by longtime assistant Ray Lewington.

The 74-year-old Hodgson reportedly agreed to a contact that will keep him at Vicarage Road until the end of the season, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Hodgson is tasked with trying to steer the club away from the relegation zone. Watford are two points away from safety and sit in 19th place with just 14 points from 20 games.

His first match in charge will be against last-place Burnley on Feb. 5.

The former England manager spent three-and-a-half years as manager of Crystal Palace before departing the Eagles eight months ago.

Watford's search for a new manager lasted just one day after Ranieri's brief tenure ended Monday. The Italian was sacked four months into the job after Watford suffered 10 defeats in 14 matches under him.

Watford have made 15 managerial changes since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012.