Former Portsmouth Player of the Season tasked with keeping Watford in Premier League

The Hornets’ under-23 coach is in temporary charge following yesterday’s shock dismissal of manager Nigel Pearson.

Pearson had been appointed at Vicarage Road in December when the club were bottom of the Premier League.

He leaves with Watford positioned 17th and three points above the relegation zone.

Mullins will oversee their tough final two matches – a trip to Manchester City and hosting Arsenal.

Now aged 41, Mullins was crowned The News/Sports Mail’s Player of the Season during his time at Fratton Park.

The midfielder was signed by Tony Adams in January 2009 and went on to amass 128 appearances and score three goals.

He was sold to Birmingham in the summer of 2012, with Pompey in administration and desperate to remove senior players from the wage bill.

Mullins also lined-up at left-back for the Blues in the 2010 FA Cup final against Chelsea.

He previously served Watford as caretaker boss in December, following the sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores – ahead of Pearson’s appointment.

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