Watford did it. The Hertfordshire-based side sealed an instant return to the Premier League with two games to spare following a 1-0 win over Millwall in April. Along with Norwich City, the Hornets achieved a rare feat with two relegated sides gaining automatic promotion at the first attempt.
In typical Watford fashion, the season was not without its controversies with their managerial dealings once again grabbing the headlines. However, the ends appear to have justified the means as surprise appointment Xisco Munoz spear-headed an impressive run following his appointment in December.
"I feel very, very happy about this situation. First for the fans, second for players, third for my family and my kids. Sometimes when you're the coach you know how much work has gone on behind to arrive at this situation."
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) April 25, 2021
💬 @28xisco28 💬
Coaching gamble pays off
Watford have developed a reputation for spinning the wheels when it comes to recruiting coaches with over a dozen names hired and fired since the Pozzo family took ownership in 2012. But while their appointment strategy may appear as random as a game of roulette, they look to have hit the jackpot with Munoz. It's hard to tell if this is down to smart strategy or good luck but it also raises a question that Watford fans will be eager to hear the answer to: will Munoz still be there next season?The top gambling websites often offer prices on the next manager to be sacked and sites like Bonusfinder provide in-depth reviews of the best sports betting sites to wager on, as well as the best gaming sites such as Playojo Casino. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Xisco's name near the top of the list in the next Premier League manager to be sacked list before a ball has been kicked next season - if he makes it until then.
A lack of stability
Slavisa Jokanovic was also a surprise appointment in 2014 and led the club to the top flight at the first attempt. However, he was replaced in the summer by the more experienced Quique Sanchez Flores who bagged a mid-table finish and an FA Cup semi-final appearance. The Spaniard also left after a year as did the Italian Walter Mazzarri who only just avoided relegation. Marco Silva lasted half a season before Javi Gracia established something close to stability during a 20-month spell which yielded an FA Cup final appearance and an 11th-place finish.Costly mistakes
This hire and fire approach finally seemed to back-fire after Gracia's hasty sacking just four games into the 2019/20 season. Quique Sanchez Flores could only manage a single win on his return. Then, Nigel Pearson was inexplicably sacked with two games of the season left having guided them from seven points adrift at the foot of the league to three points above the drop zone. Watford lost their final two games and were relegated.Mid-season switch pays off
Munoz's predecessor, Vladimir Ivic was relatively unknown when he arrived in The Championship having enjoyed success in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Yet, he was relieved of his duties after just 22 games in charge (in all competitions) having lost just five. Munoz had also overseen five defeats by the time Watford were promoted but had played 27 games and recorded a 68% win rate compared to Ivic's 40.91%. In hindsight, the Serbian had been too conservative in his approach and the owners were quick to rectify their mistake.Watford have sacked head coach Vladimir Ivic after just four months in charge, with the club fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, four points behind the top two.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 19, 2020
