Jokanović, a former Yugoslavia and Serbia & Montenegro international, led Partizan Belgrade to the Serbian SuperLiga and Serbian Cup - two seasons, running in 2007/08 and 2008/09.

The ex-midfielder's playing career spanned three countries, including La Liga in Spain and a two-year stint at Chelsea in the Premier League.

He has also served Levski Sofia, in Bulgaria's A Group, and most recently Spanish club Hercules.

Watford FC owner Gino Pozzo commented: "Our job is always to act in the best long-term interests of this football club. There can be no compromise on this - whatever the circumstances.

"I fully support and endorse the view from our technical staff that, given the talented squad which has been assembled and our position in the league, an experienced head coach with a winning pedigree is of primary importance to help ensure the success we are all striving for."

"The supporters of Watford have always been very understanding towards our project here and I am certain they will continue to do everything they can to support the new coach and his squad."

He becomes the fourth head coach this season for Watford. Beppe Sannino, who was in charge last season, left at the end of August amid reports of growing animosity between him and his squad.

He was replaced by former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia, who then stepped down due to health reasons. He had appointed McKinlay as part of his backroom staff, and he was given the head role just over a week ago.