Watford FC have closed the chapter on Valerien Ismael after less than ten months. An ex-Schalker broke the camel’s back at Vicarage Road on Saturday
After just one win from the last twelve competitive matches, the decision taken by the Watford FC management just a few hours after the 2-1 home defeat against Coventry City comes as no real surprise. Valerien Ismael has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Hornets with immediate effect.
After Ryan Porteous’ 20th-minute opener, Watford fans were dreaming of their first home win since November 28, when a turbulent 3-2 victory over Norwich City was secured at Vicarage Road. On Saturday, however, Watford were without a former Schalke player: Haji Wright turned the game around with a brace – from the spot and with a shot from distance (40th and 72nd minute). It was goals number 12 and 13 of the season for the striker, who has been playing for Coventry since August 2023.
Which immediately sealed the end of the short Ismael era at Watford. Following the departure of Chris Wilder (now at Sheffield United) in May 2023, the Pozzo family, who own the club, had opted for the former Bundesliga professional (113 appearances, eight goals) and former coach of VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Nürnberg – their 19th full-time coach in eleven years. But this project also failed.
The 48-year-old won only eleven of his 37 Championship games with Watford, twelve games ended in draws and 14 were lost. With 45 points, the Hornets are 13 points behind the sixth promotion play-off spot currently held by Norwich City (5-0 against Rotherham) – and just seven ahead of relegation spot 22. Huddersfield could move out of this spot with a home win against West Brom on Sunday.
Cleverley get the nod
The club’s board felt compelled to “make a change to improve results”, according to a press release. The immediate responsibility falls to Tom Cleverley, the U-18 coach has been promoted to interim coach with immediate effect. Watford intend to introduce the staff of the former Manchester United professional (242 Premier League appearances, 14 goals) shortly.
The 34-year-old will make his debut next Saturday (4pm) at basement club Birmingham, who are currently six points adrift in 21st place. The tough home debut follows on March 29 against runners-up Leeds United under coach Daniel Farke.
