09 March 2024 , 22:16
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Watford have parted company with head coach Valerien Ismael, it has been announced.
Pressure had grown on the Hornets chief in recent weeks following a poor run of results and the club have now confirmed that academy coach Tom Cleverley will take charge on an interim basis following Ismael's dismissal.
In a statement released on Saturday night, the club said: "Tom Cleverley will assume the position of Interim Head Coach at Vicarage Road. This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valérien Ismaël after today's home defeat to Coventry City.
"The Hornets thank Valérien 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. Tom Cleverley's staff will be confirmed in due course."
Ismael, who has previously had spells in charge of Barnsley and West Brom, became the 19th permanent head coach to be appointed by Watford since the Pozzo family acquired the club back in 2012. The Frenchman won just 12 of his 41 matches at the helm, though, and leaves the club in 13th position, well adrift of the Championship's top-six.
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He expressed his frustration with Watford's performance following Saturday's loss, saying: “We took the decision to have a mobile midfield again and had a great start with lots of chances. We should have scored a second goal, but then from nowhere they got the penalty. In the second half we continued to push, but they scored from their only shot on target, so it’s a real pity today.
“But we saw good energy and good dynamic on the pitch to change the way things are going at the minute. We had some crosses too high, some crosses too low, some crosses blocked, but at least we tried and our game was back. We didn’t see anything from Coventry today. It was just one of those days when things run against you.”
Tom Cleverley has been announced as Watford's new interim head coach (Richard Heathcote)Cleverley will now take charge of a team which has lost six of their last eight matches. The Hornets have won just twice in the league since Boxing Day, killing any hope of a play-off push. The 34-year-old spent six years at Vicarage Road before hanging up his boots last year due to injuries. He has been working with the club's Under-18 side this season.
Cleverley, a former England international, came through the academy ranks at Manchester United after joining the Red Devils at the age of 11. He made 79 appearances in total, scoring five goals in the process.
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