Watford Football Club has made the difficult decision to part ways with head coach Tom Cleverley just days after the conclusion of the 2024/25 Championship season. The club confirmed the news on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish in 14th place, 11 points adrift of the playoff positions.
Cleverley, who took over as head coach on a permanent basis in April 2024 after initially serving as interim manager, guided the Hornets through a challenging season. Despite a promising start, where the team was in and around the playoff spots for much of the first half of the campaign, the latter part of the season proved to be a struggle. Watford managed to secure just one victory in their final nine matches, culminating in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, which sealed their fate and confirmed their mid-table finish.
During his tenure, Cleverley oversaw a total of 60 matches, achieving 20 wins, 14 draws, and 26 losses, resulting in a win percentage of 33.9%. His record, while not stellar, included a strong start to the season, and he was the first manager to complete an entire season since Javi Gracia in 2018-19.
Sporting director Gian Luca Nani expressed gratitude for Cleverley’s contributions, stating, "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." Nani’s comments reflect the club's intent to move forward and seek new leadership to guide the team.
Watford's decision to sack Cleverley comes after a season filled with ups and downs. The Hornets began the campaign brightly, winning their first five matches and sparking hopes of a playoff run. However, injuries to key players, including forwards Kwadwo Baah and Giorgi Chakvetadze, severely hampered their progress. The club's failure to adequately strengthen the squad during the January transfer window also contributed to their decline, as they finished the season with only five wins from 24 matches in 2025.
As the club looks for its 12th permanent manager since 2020, Cleverley’s departure adds to the instability that has plagued Watford in recent years. The club has seen a staggering turnover of coaching staff, with Cleverley being the 20th different head coach since Gino Pozzo’s takeover in 2012. This trend raises questions about the club's management and strategy moving forward.
Cleverley, who made over 180 appearances for Watford as a player, expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters in a heartfelt message following his dismissal. He stated, "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. After the sadness wears off, I will forever have a feeling of gratitude and happiness towards the club and the place and people of Watford." His emotional farewell highlights the deep connection he forged with the fans during his time at the club.
Former teammate Troy Deeney weighed in on the decision, labeling it a "mistake." He noted the challenges Cleverley faced, including a lack of resources and the pressure of managing a young squad. Deeney pointed out that Cleverley had successfully steered the team away from relegation and had them competing for playoff spots earlier in the season. "If you look where they were three months ago, right up there in the play-offs, you would argue that the tail end of the season has been poor," Deeney remarked. "But I just don’t see who you replace him with and what’s going to change."
Watford fans are expected to react strongly to Cleverley's sacking. Many supporters viewed him as a popular figure and a symbol of stability within a tumultuous club environment. His dismissal follows a pattern of hasty managerial changes, which have often left fans frustrated and disillusioned. The club's history of managerial turnover raises concerns about the long-term vision and direction of Watford FC.
As the search for a new head coach begins, the Hornets will need to consider not only the tactical acumen of potential candidates but also their ability to connect with a passionate fan base that has shown unwavering support for Cleverley. The club's next appointment will be crucial in determining whether they can build on the foundations laid during Cleverley’s tenure and return to contention for promotion to the Premier League.
In conclusion, Tom Cleverley’s departure marks the end of an era at Watford, one characterized by both hope and disappointment. His legacy as a player and coach will be remembered by many, and as the club moves forward, they will need to address the underlying issues that have led to repeated managerial changes and inconsistent performances on the pitch.
