Javi Gracia, two and a bit years and five and a bit managers ago, was the last to reach 12 months. It would be nice to be the team again that everyone forgets is in the Premier League.

However, every exit since Gracia has been timed right, including Claudio Ranieri's. It’s difficult not to sympathise because he was dealt a difficult hand: a newly promoted squad that had gleaned little from a gentle season opening;  Liverpool, United, Chelsea and City among his five first visitors; Afcon robbing him of key players; Covid inflicting postponements at expensive times. Even his best victory, over Manchester United, was stymied by an injury to Ismaila Sarr.

You’d have got long odds then on one point from the next nine games - and that salvaged by a dramatic equaliser at Newcastle. We wasted better performances on Chelsea and Manchester City. Weaker performances were abominable, and despite the club lining up early January signings - an anomaly in a constipated transfer window – Friday’s horror show against Norwich was the worst.

The bottom line for the Pozzos is it’s not about being 'fair', whether on balance a head coach is in credit or mitigating circumstances. It’s about what’s needed now.

Friday exposed a side devoid of leadership, belief and direction – and Ranieri distancing himself from the squad’s attitude, as if it was somehow something outside of his control, won him few friends.

This was not a situation that would be turned around.

Your views on who should be next at Watfordpublished at 08:07

Richard Foley: Bring back Gianfranco Zola. He had us playing the most attractive football and was such a nice guy. The players liked him and played for him. Why did we get rid of him? Such a shame he had to leave.

Phil: We've brought in some managers who have pedigree but we fail to get the best out of the coach and therefore the team. Either we bring in the wrong coach or we are not providing the right resources. We seemed to do better with the likes of Aidy, Sanchez and other little-known people who created impact.

Ian Dawson: I was optimistic when Ranieri arrived. However, it sadly didn't work out. I honestly don't know where we turn from here. Heart says Javi Gracia as we did it with Quique, but my head says that wouldn't be wise. So maybe Paulo Fonseca??

Anon: I think we should appoint Frank Lampard, but for the love of god, I really don't think Roy Hodgson should be next. He's just another defensive coach!