Former Manchester United Premier League winner takes charge of Watford following Valerien Ismael sacking

Tom Cleverley has been appointed as the interim Watford boss following the axing of Valerien Ismael at Vicarage Road.

talkSPORT reported last month how the 48-year-old was on the brink of being dismissed by the Hornets.

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And a 2-1 home defeat to Coventry on Saturday has proven to be the final straw with Watford sitting in 13th spot in the Championship.

The club have now turned to former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who won the Premier League at Old Trafford in 2013.

Cleverley is no stranger to the Watford fanbase having enjoyed three spells as a player with the club before retiring there last summer.

After hanging up his boots, the 34-year-old has worked with Watford’s Under-18s, but will now be tasked with managing the first team.

A club statement read: “Tom Cleverley will assume the position of Interim Head Coach at Vicarage Road.

“This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valerien Ismael after today’s home defeat to Coventry City.

“The Hornets thank Valerien and his staff for their dedication and commitment.

“However the club’s Board considers it an appropriate time to make a change in order to improve results.

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“Tom Cleverley’s staff will be confirmed in due course.”

Ismael only took over from Chris Wilder at Watford in May 2023, but he has failed to impress having won just 12 of his 41 matches – losing on 15 occasions.

Incredibly, Cleverley is now the 11th manager Watford have appointed since 2020.

In that period, Watford have had Ismael, Wilder, Slaven Bilic, Rob Edwards, Roy Hodgson, Claudio Ranieri, Xisco Munoz, Vladimir Ivic, Hayden Mullins and Nigel Pearson in the dugout.

And Watford’s rivals Luton appeared to poke fun at their sorry state by posting a picture of Hatters boss Edwards smiling on social media moments after their announcement.

Following six defeats in their last eight matches, any chances of Watford securing a play-off spot now seem highly unlikely as they sit 13 points off Norwich in sixth place.