Former Manchester United midfielder dismissed as Watford sack (one more) head coach

Watford have sacked head coach Tom Cleverley after a poor run of kind dented their play-off aspirations.

Former Manchester United midfielder Cleverley was considered one of many brightest younger coaches within the Championship however was unable to halt a stoop that noticed Watford file the fewest factors within the division in 2025.

The information of his departure has not gone down properly with followers of the Vicarage Highway membership with a neighborhood newspaper ballot revealing 95 per cent of supporters disagreed with the choice.

Watford FC confirms the departure of Tom Cleverley as Head Coach.

— Watford Soccer Membership (@WatfordFC) May 6, 2025

It’s time for a change – sporting director

In a press release, sporting director Gian Luca Nani mentioned: “We thank Tom for his service – not simply in his position as head coach however for the whole lot he has given Watford as a participant and member of employees.

“However the time has come for a change and to construct on what we imagine is a younger and proficient squad that can have benefitted from the expertise of the Championship this season.

“It has been a privilege to work carefully with Tom; to grasp how he sees the sport and his enthusiasm for the whole lot right here. He deserves to be recognised for this and I’m positive he can have a vivid future within the recreation.

“Tom will at all times be a part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so a few years.”

Cleverley joins prolonged listing of sacked Watford head coaches

Cleverley took over from Valerien Ismael in March 2024 and helped them keep away from relegation, ultimately ending fifteenth.

They had been within the playoff body for many of this season earlier than a run of seven defeats of their final 11 video games noticed them come 14th.

The 35-year-old, who made 180 appearances for Watford as a participant, was the twentieth completely different head coach to have held the reins on the membership for the reason that Pozzo household took possession in 2012.

The typical lifespan of a Watford head coach underneath Pozzo possession is 234 days.