Roy Hodgson concedes he may not be able to arrest Watford‘s slide towards relegation ahead of a crucial clash against Southampton on Sunday.

The pressure is mounting at Vicarage Road following a disappointing start to Hodgson’s reign after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in January.

Hodgson has led the Hornets to just five points from a possible 24 since his appointment. 

There is certainly sympathy with Hodgson from inside the Hornets dressing room; many feeling that the 74-year-old was dealt a virtually impossible task of retrieving the club’s season.

Yet, there is a realisation amongst certain players and staff that the Pozzo family’s penchant for sacking managers could leave Hodgson vulnerable if he cannot start picking up points quickly.

Watford, who lost 4-0 to Wolves on Thursday, are already three points adrift of safety; and 17th placed Everton have three games in hand.

Another defeat against Southampton will merely add to the pressure at Vicarage Road as they look to beat the drop – and Hodgson admitted: ‘I came back knowing what was in front of me, I came back feeling that I could do a job for the club and I still feel that.

‘But whether or not I can produce what they really want, i.e: the change from being down the bottom and not winning to suddenly winning and shooting up the table – I can’t guarantee that, I can only work towards it but I shall enjoy the work towards it.’