Cleverley, a former Manchester United and Everton midfielder, was appointed interim coach following Valerian Ismael’s dismissal in March 2024 and went on to take the position permanently. The Hornets finished the 2024/25 season with only one win in their last nine league games.

 

Gian Luca Nani, Sporting Director, expressed gratitude to Tom for his contributions to Watford as both a player and coach. We believe our young and talented squad will benefit from their experience in the Championship this season, so it’s time for a change. It has been an honour to collaborate 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 am confident he will have a bright future in the game. Tom will always be a part of Watford in recognition of everything he has accomplished over the years.
With this decision, Watford will join West Brom, Cardiff City, and Norwich City in their search for a new manager for the 2025/26 season. QPR are expected to schedule a meeting with head coach Marti Cifuentes, who is currently on ‘gardening leave’ due to negotiations with the Baggies regarding a job change.

 

Cifuentes is one of the most likely candidates to be appointed at Watford. The 42-year-old has been with QPR since October 2023, avoiding relegation in both seasons. The Catalan coach had a frustrating 2024/25 season with his R’s side plagued by injuries.

Cifuentes reportedly had a disagreement with Christian Nourry, the chief executive at Loftus Road. He may still be reinstated, but it appears he will leave his position in west London. The R’s manager could compete with former Wolves and AFC Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil for the Watford job.

Since his dismissal from Molineux in December, O’Neil has been out of work. As a player, the former midfielder won promotion from the Championship through the play-offs three times: in 2012 with West Ham, 2014 with QPR, and 2015 with Norwich City.

The 41-year-old has been linked with the vacancy at Loftus Road, and EFL Analysis has claimed that he is a top candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough if they decide to change their manager.

Will remains the frontrunner ahead of former QPR and Wolves players.

Cifuentes and O’Neil are two leading candidates for the Watford job, but Lens manager Will Still is the early frontrunner. The Belgian has never managed in the UK, but he is known to be dating Sky Sports reporter Emma Saunders, a Hornets fan.

Still signed a three-year contract with Lens when he took over in 2024, but he has previously expressed a desire to manage in England. He told Sky Sports that he aspires to be a Premier League footballer or manager, just like any other kid. I grew up like everyone else and had the same dreams. I’ll keep at them.

“If it happens one day, I’ll deserve it, or so I hope, but I realise how much work there is to be done before I get there, and how much I still have to learn. For the time being, I’ll keep it to one side.

“Vincent Kompany was at Anderlecht last year, and he went into the Championship and did an incredible job. I believe the Championship rivals many of the world’s top leagues. All doors are open. I’m not closing anything at any time.”

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk