Watford FC have officially announced the sacking of head coach Tom Cleverley, bringing an end to his brief but eventful spell in charge at Vicarage Road.
Cleverley, a former Manchester United and England midfielder, took over managerial duties in March 2024 following the dismissal of Valérien Ismaël. Initially appointed on an interim basis, his position was made permanent in April, reflecting the club’s faith in his leadership and long-standing connection with the Hornets. However, after just a few months at the helm, Watford have opted for another managerial change — their 12th since 2020.
The decision follows a disappointing end to the 2024–25 Championship campaign, where Watford finished 14th in the table with 57 points. Despite a promising start under Cleverley, which included a notable win against Portsmouth on Boxing Day that momentarily lifted them into the top six, the team managed only five league victories in 2025. A poor run of form — one win in their final nine games — sealed Cleverley’s fate.
Sporting director Gian Luca Nani stated that the club “felt the time had come for a change,” pointing to the need for a clear direction and the development of the club’s promising young players. The decision underlines Watford’s ongoing struggle for consistency, with the club now seeking its 20th head coach in the 13 years of Gino Pozzo’s ownership.
Cleverley, ever the professional, expressed gratitude in his farewell statement:
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, especially with our academy players. I will always be thankful for the opportunity to lead this club I love.”
While many fans are disappointed to see a club legend depart so soon, there’s a growing call for stability and a long-term vision at Watford — something the club has lacked in recent years.
As the summer begins, attention now turns to who will be next in line to take on one of the most volatile jobs in English football.
