LONDON (AFP) - Watford hired former Hull boss Marco Silva as their new manager on Saturday, following Walter Mazzarri's departure from the English Premier League football club.

Silva left Hull earlier this week following the Tigers' relegation from the English top flight and Watford quickly made him their top target to replace Mazzarri.

Although Silva couldn't stop Hull slipping into the second-tier Championship, the Portuguese coach earned praise for his work during five months in charge of a club dealing with boardroom turmoil for much of the season.

The 39-year-old had been linked with the vacant jobs at Porto and Crystal Palace, but Watford won the race for his signature.

"Marco was one of the most sought-after head coaches in the Premier League," Hornets chairman Scott Duxbury told the club's website.

"His pedigree and promise speaks for itself, with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe as well as his work at Hull City last season.

"We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a head coach of his profile and potential.

"It's an exciting time to be a Watford fan and I'm sure all supporters will join me in offering Marco and his family the warmest of welcomes to Vicarage Road."