TOM CLEVERLEY has controversially been sacked by Watford.
The former Manchester United midfielder took over at Vicarage Road in March 2024, replacing Valerien Ismael initially as interim boss.
Tom Cleverley was sacked as Watford boss on TuesdayRex
He took the head coach role on a permanent basis the following month, making him the 21st Hornets manager since Gino Pozzo took over the club in 2012.
Watford were in contention for a Championship play-off spot heading into the second half of the season.
But just five wins in 2025 but pay to those promotion dreams.
They finished the 2024-25 season 14th in the Championship on Saturday, concluding with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday.
And that drop off was enough for the Hornets to dismiss their former midfielder Cleverley in their latest controversial managerial axing – as the sporting director insisted it was “time for a change”.
Gian 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 benefited 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.”
Cleverley came through the youth system at Old Trafford and made 79 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League in 2012-13 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He had various loan spells – including at Watford – before joining Everton in 2015.
Just 18 months later, the 13-cap England international was on the move again as he headed to Watford again, initially on loan before making the switch permanent for the 2017-18 season.
He was relegated in 2020 but helped the Hornets straight back up again before retiring in 2023 to step into coaching.
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