Watford have announced that they have parted company with head coach Tom Cleverley.
Having impressed during his interim role during the closing weeks of 2023-24, the former midfielder was promptly handed the reins on a permanent basis.
For the first half of this season, the Hornets were involved in a battle for playoff place, helped by their results at Vicarage Road.
Despite speculation regarding a dismissal in the early part of 2025, Cleverley remained in the dugout for the entire 2024-25 campaign.
However, after a 14th-placed finish in the Championship table, the Watford hierarchy have taken the decision to sack the 35-year-old.
Watford FC confirms the departure of Tom Cleverley as Head Coach.
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 6, 2025
Watford confirm Cleverley departure
Sporting director Luca Nani said: "We thank Tom for his service – not just in his role as Head Coach but for everything he has given Watford as a player and member of staff.
"But the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefitted from the experience of the Championship this season.
"It has been a privilege to work closely with Tom; to understand how he sees the game and his enthusiasm for everything here. He deserves to be recognised for this and I'm sure he will have a bright future in the game.
"Tom will always be part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so many years."
© Imago
Cleverley reputation remains intact
Cleverley leaves his role at Watford with a record of 20 wins, 14 draws and 25 defeats in all competitions.
Nevertheless, he moves on from the Hertfordshire club having enhanced his reputation in his first-ever head coach role despite an extreme drop-off in form.
Watford ended 2024 in seventh position in the Championship table with a game in hand before they accumulated just 20 points from their 23 league games in 2025.
Credit will also come from being Watford's longest-serving head coach since Javi Gracia's reign came to an end in September 2019.
Furthermore, Cleverley has lasted the second most games in the dugout since Gianfranco Zola left in December 2013.
Darren Plant
