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Watford 'have got every chance of staying out of trouble' after appointing Roy Hodgson as their new boss, insists Paul Merson... while Darren Bent believes 74-year-old can 'stabilise the ship' following club's 'masterstroke'

Paul Merson believes Watford have 'every chance' of avoiding relegation from the Premier League after hiring Roy Hodgson as their new manager.

The 74-year-old agreed a deal until the end of the season with the Hornets on Tuesday and has replaced Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked after the 3-0 home defeat by Norwich at the weekend.

Sportsmail understands Hodgson will land a seven-figure bonus, on top of what is described as a 'modest' salary, if he can lead the Vicarage Road club to Premier League safety.

Paul Merson believes Watford have 'every chance' of avoiding relegation after hiring Roy Hodgson
Hodgson has replaced Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked after the defeat by Norwich, as boss

And former midfielder Merson believes Watford - currently sat 19th in the table but just two points off Norwich in 17th with two games in hand - have every chance of staying up now that the ex-England boss is at the helm.