Did Gianfranco Zola Leave Watford for a Potential EPL Job Opening?

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On Monday, a day that followed a weekend where two English Premier League managers lost their jobs, former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola resigned as the manager of Championship club Watford.

The Hornets were one of the main contenders for promotion last season, but they fell to Crystal Palace in the play-off final in extra time to deny them a trip to the EPL.

This season, Watford are in the middle of a terrible spell of form, as they have failed to win their last nine matches.

Thanks to that brutal form, the Hornets have dropped down to 13th place, which in its own right would be enough reason for Zola to leave the club.

However, the resignation of the Italian shocked many fans, and it fueled speculation that the 47-year-old would jump up to the EPL with West Bromwich Albion.

Right after Zola announced his departure from Vicarage Road, he became the favourite to take over at West Brom, according to Sky Bet.

During his time at Watford, Zola had a 44 percent winning percentage, a number that any EPL owner would love to see their manager produce.
West Brom are struggling at the moment, as they have lost four consecutive league games and have not won since their November 2 match at home against Crystal Palace.

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The Baggies are in need of an energy boost from a new manager, and they are also in need of someone to motivate their struggling forwards.

Shane Long, the club's main goalscorer, leads the team with just three goals while the outspoken Saido Berahino has netted just twice.
Stephane Sessegnon, Morgan Amalfitano and Gareth McAuley all have scored twice for the Baggies as well during the 2013-14 campaign.

One of West Brom's summer signings, Matej Vydra, was expected to pack a punch off of the bench, but he has failed to score in six substitute appearances.
As a former forward and ex-manager of Vydra at Watford, Zola could be asked to join up with the Midlands club to motivate the new acquisition up front.

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Matej Vydra has failed to deliver for West Brom this season.

Zola would have the opportunity to not only drive one of his former players to success, but he would also get the chance to prove himself as a manager in the EPL once again.

Zola was in charge of West Ham United for two seasons before he was sacked after finishing in 17th place during the 2009-10 season.

Yes, there are plenty of other qualified candidates for the West Brom job, including former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and ex-Fulham boss Martin Jol, but with Monday's happenings at Watford, one has to believe that Zola is in line to take over the Baggies sooner rather than later.