Watford has decided to part ways with head coach Tom Cleverley after the team concluded the season in disappointing fashion, finishing 14th in the Championship table and missing out on the play-offs. The club’s recent form was particularly troubling, as they managed to secure only one point from their last five matches, culminating in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday that marked the end of the season.
Cleverley, who had previously enjoyed a successful playing career with notable clubs like Manchester United and Everton, took over as interim manager in March 2024 following Valerien Ismael’s departure. He was appointed as the permanent manager a month later. During his tenure, Cleverley presided over 60 matches, achieving 20 wins against 26 losses.
In a statement, Watford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani expressed appreciation for Cleverley’s contributions and emphasized the need for a change to build on the potential of a young squad. “The time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefited from the experience of the Championship this season,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Watford is now tasked with finding their 10th permanent head coach since Nigel Pearson’s departure in the summer of 2020. Cleverley was notably the first head coach in recent memory to serve for an entire season since Javi Gracia in 2018-19, showcasing the club’s struggles with managerial stability.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, Cleverley remains optimistic about the future potential of the club’s young players, highlighting that they have gained valuable experience during a challenging campaign. He mentioned that although injuries affected their attacking force, they have shown promising signs earlier in the season and will be able to learn from their experiences.
As Watford turns a new page, fans can remain hopeful that with the right leadership, the team can capitalize on its youth and make a stronger push for promotion in the upcoming season.
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