Watford Football Club has officially parted ways with head coach Tom Cleverley after a disappointing conclusion to the 2023/24 Championship season, in which the Hornets finished a lowly 14th. The former Manchester United and England midfielder was appointed interim boss in March 2024 following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael and was confirmed in the role permanently a month later.
Despite early signs of promise, Tom Cleverley could not maintain momentum through the season’s latter stages. Watford collected only one point from their final five games, including a season-ending 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. That poor run effectively ended their chances of making the play-offs, a target that had seemed within reach at the season’s halfway point.
Mixed Results and Missed Opportunities
Everybody’s time in charge included 60 matches, from which he secured 20 wins, 14 draws, and suffered 26 defeats. While he initially impressed with an unbeaten run of 15 home league matches and had the Hornets in the play-off picture for ten weeks, the team’s form nosedived after a 2-1 home defeat to Cardiff on 29 December. Injuries to key forwards during the second half of the campaign exacerbated their troubles, with goals drying up and points slipping away.
In a recent interview, Tom Cleverley acknowledged the team’s struggles post-January, citing the squad’s youthful inexperience and the impact of injuries. “We spent 10 weeks in the play-offs [places], we showed real positive signs before the turn of the year… We’ve got an incredibly young squad,” he stated, expressing hope that the experience would serve as a stepping stone for future success.
Boardroom Justification for sacking Tom Cleverly and Search for Successor
Sporting director Gian Luca Nani announced the decision in a club statement, saying: “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 praised Tom Cleverley’s commitment and vision but emphasized the club’s need for a fresh direction.
Watford’s managerial instability has been a recurring theme under owner Gino Pozzo. Since 2020, the Hornets have cycled through nine permanent head coaches. Tom Cleverley was the first to complete a full season since Javi Gracia in 2018-19. However, his departure means the club will now search for its 10th manager in just four years.
Reports had previously linked Watford with former Villarreal coach Jose Rojo Martin, popularly known as Pacheta, though the club dismissed those as “pure speculation” in January. No official candidates have been named since Tom Cleverley’s sacking, and the club stated there will be no further comment until a new appointment is made.
Fan Frustration and Emotional Fallout
Tom Cleverley’s dismissal has sparked immediate backlash among supporters, many of whom viewed him as a rare figure of continuity and passion at a frequently tumultuous club. Having first joined Watford on loan from Manchester United in his youth, returned as a player, then served as academy manager and finally head coach, Cleverley’s deep-rooted ties to the club made him a fan favourite.
“He was a really popular head coach – probably the most popular since Javi Gracia,” noted one longtime supporter. Fans had even developed chants in support of Tom Cleverley, often contrasting their affection for him with disdain for Pozzo. The decision to sack him, especially after public backing earlier in the year, is likely to deepen the rift between the fanbase and the ownership.
Some fans are particularly upset that Tom Cleverley was subjected to public uncertainty in January, when he was forced to address rumours of his own sacking on the day of a match. Despite those challenges, he remained composed and committed to the club’s cause.
A Turbulent Era Continues
Tom Cleverley’s departure underscores Watford’s ongoing struggles to establish managerial stability since their relegation from the Premier League in 2022. Their Championship finishes—11th, 15th, and now 14th—paint a picture of stagnation for a club that once challenged for promotion and cup glory under Gracia.
The Hornets now face a critical summer. With a young but talented squad and frustrated supporters, the next head coach must not only deliver results but also rebuild trust. Whether the club chooses an experienced tactician or a promising up-and-comer, the spotlight will remain firmly on owner Gino Pozzo and his management of the club’s long-term vision.
For Tom Cleverley, the end of his Watford tenure may sting, but he departs with dignity and respect. Many believe this is only the beginning of what could be a successful coaching career. As one fan put it on social media: “He deserved better—but he’ll bounce back.”
