Tom Cleverley Addresses His Dismissal as Head Coach of Watford FC After Challenging Season

After a tumultuous period, Tom Cleverley has spoken out following his recent sacking as the head coach of Watford FC. The team finished the 2024-25 season in a disappointing 14th place with a total of 57 points from 46 matches, reflecting the struggles faced throughout the campaign.

Cleverley stepped into the role of interim head coach after the dismissal of Valerien Ismael on March 9, 2024. In his first match, he led the team to a narrow 1-0 victory against Birmingham City just a week later, showcasing his potential as a leader. By April 24, 2024, his successful interim tenure—where he lost only once in seven matches—earned him the permanent head coach position.

Over his time in charge, Cleverley managed a total of 60 matches, achieving 20 victories but suffering 26 defeats. Now, Watford is on the lookout for their 10th permanent head coach since the dismissal of Nigel Pearson in the summer of 2020. This ongoing instability comes as the club grapples with the threat of relegation from the Premier League, as reported by BBC Sport.

Remarkably, Cleverley became the first head coach to complete an entire season since Javi Gracia in the 2018-19 season. This statistic underscores the club’s struggles with managerial stability; none of the last 19 managers have lasted beyond 70 games in charge.

Since their relegation from the top tier in 2022, Watford has experienced a downward trajectory, finishing 11th, 15th, and now 14th in the subsequent seasons.

Watford FC confirms the departure of Tom Cleverley as Head Coach.

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 6, 2025

Official Announcement from Watford FC Regarding Tom Cleverley’s Departure

Watford FC has officially confirmed the departure of Tom Cleverley from his position as head coach. Cleverley’s leadership helped stabilize the team’s performance towards the end of the 2023/24 season while he served in an interim capacity before being appointed full-time last summer.

At one point, the Golden Boys were in contention for the play-offs; however, their form declined significantly, resulting in just five wins throughout 2025. Gian Luca Nani, the Sporting Director, expressed gratitude for Cleverley’s contributions both as a head coach and as a long-time player and staff member of the club.

Nani stated, “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. However, 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.

“Working closely with Tom has been a privilege; his understanding of the game and enthusiasm for everything here is commendable. He deserves recognition for his efforts, and I am confident he will have a bright future in football.”

“Tom will always hold a special place in Watford’s history for his achievements over the years.”

Further comments from the club will not be made until a new head coach has been appointed.

Top Candidates for the Next Managerial Position at Watford FC

BetVictor – 6th May
Potential successors include:
Russell Martin – 5/4
Sean Dyche – 6/4
Danny Rohl – 4/1
Lee Carsley – 10/1
Gary O’Neil – 14/1
David Wagner – 16/1

Tom Cleverley Reflects on His Time at Watford FC

In a heartfelt statement, Tom Cleverley shared, “After nine-and-a-half years of my life – as a loanee, player, captain, academy coach, and head coach – my time at the club has come to an end.” He expressed his gratitude and happiness towards the club, the town, and the people of Watford, acknowledging the special bond he formed with the players and supporters during his tenure.

Cleverley highlighted the significant progress of young players and academy prospects, stating, “Seeing the development of our key players, young talents, and academy graduates has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. This season, we utilized 11 players aged 21 and under, and both they and the club will greatly benefit from this invaluable experience.”

He also reflected on the challenges faced, such as maintaining league position and points after the departure of key players last summer. He emphasized the need for introspection regarding why the team could not sustain their play-off challenge.

Cleverley concluded, “Football and its clubs are unique; they foster a sense of belonging. Although I wasn’t born or raised in Watford, it truly feels like home to me.” He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity provided by the club, the players’ efforts, and the unwavering support he received from fans, stating, “I’ll always be grateful for the love and support during this journey.”

“While I am saddened that it’s over, I am filled with happiness that it happened. I hope our paths cross again in the future. You ‘Orns.”

Social Media Reactions Following Tom Cleverley’s Dismissal as Watford Head Coach

@SocialEngland66: Vaffanculo Gino Pozzo

@HemelHornet1881: After everyone renewed their season tickets, you didn’t have to face the music at a game, you slippery little scumbag Pozzo.

@PatMcNicholas: This may be the most inexcusable decision under Pozzo’s ownership. Blaming Cleverley for failing with a “young and exciting squad” is simply absurd; it shows the detachment many fans feel.

@HCfootball01: I genuinely wonder what the Watford owners expect. Do they believe promotion is guaranteed? It’s perplexing, to say the least.

@wfccaity: This news makes me feel sick. We are being taken for fools, renewing season tickets for Tom and then dropping this bombshell. This club is in disarray, and without changes, we are on a continuous downward spiral.

@DanielleClavin: I’m at a loss for words. The Pozzo family should be ashamed of how they treated a man valued by supporters. You have truly ruined my club.

@TheStatsSaint: You guys have issues; he has been decent.

@alexmartin9822: That’s the last bit of identity I had with this club gone.

@BenJac2007: Genuine question – when was the last time you went a season without sacking a manager?

@WycombeDJ: This is unbelievable. Who’s next, Sam Allardyce? You’ve hired and fired nearly everyone in English football.

@AdamRowe_98: Unforgivable. What an absolute disgrace. A young manager who cares about the club has been let go after performing well with a weak squad. Even by Pozzo standards, this is outrageous. #WatfordFC

@cultureforce1: Absolutely disgraceful. This is a point of no return.

@BCFC_Chapz: Not even a Watford fan, but your owners are a disgrace. Your team was one of the best home teams in the first half of the season. The first time in years, I felt Watford had an identity and unity. Sorry to hear this, Watford fans.

@dresserman: I honestly thought it was a parody account at first. Unbelievable.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Thoughts on Tom Cleverley’s Sacking

Do you think it was too harsh to sack Tom Cleverley? Was he the right fit for the role? Share your opinions in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter

GET OUT OF MY CLUB #watfordfc pic.twitter.com/avvpv8030P

— MJG (@MJGgraphics) May 6, 2025