Watford have sacked manager Tom Cleverley after a disappointing 14th place finish in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Hornets said the 35-year-old coach, appointed permanently last summer following a successful interim stint, had left the club and a search was underway for a replacement.
Sporting director Gian Luca Nani said on the club's official website: “We thank Tom for his contribution – not only as head coach but for everything he has done for Watford as a player and member of the team.”
“However, the time has come for change and to build what we believe is a young and promising team that can benefit from the Championship experience this season.”
Cleverley took charge at Vicarage Road for the first time in March last year following the departure of Valerien Ismael, who left after a run of 10 league matches in which the club won just one.
The former Manchester United player, who also had spells at Everton and Watford where he made 147 appearances, retired due to injury at the age of 33 in 2023 having led Watford to a 15th-place finish.
However, hopes of promotion this season have faded after a poor end to the campaign that saw the Hornets lose seven of their last 11 games and fall 11 points short of the playoffs.
Nani added: “It has been a privilege to work closely with Tom, to understand his views on the game and his enthusiasm for everything that happens here. He deserves recognition for that and I am sure he has a bright future in football.”
“Tom will always be a part of Watford in recognition of everything he has achieved over the years.”
Cleverley's departure leaves the club with the need to find an 18th permanent manager since Gianfranco Zola left in December 2013.
A club statement said: “There will be no further comment from the club until a new appointment is made.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
