Amid an incredibly poor run of results, rumours had surfaced weeks ago regarding the Frenchman’s future, and it appears the result and performance against the Sky Blues was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The defeat condemned the Hornets to their sixth defeat in eight league matches, with Watford’s winless run at home continuing to extend back to November.
The Hornets, potential play-off contenders at the turn of the year, now nervously look over their shoulders with just seven points between themselves and the drop zone.
It was a rather blunt, straight to the point statement when the news came on Saturday night.
“Tom Cleverley will assume the position of Interim Head Coach at Vicarage Road,” Watford FC wrote in their club statement.
“This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valérien Ismaël after today’s home defeat to Coventry City.
“The Hornets thank Valérien and his staff for their dedication and commitment, however the club’s Board considers it an appropriate time to make a change in order to improve results.
“Tom Cleverley’s staff will be confirmed in due course.”
Latest Watford managerial news
With the above news having now settled, we thought we’d take a look at the latest news regarding the head coach position at Vicarage Road and who the Hornets might be targeting as Valerien Ismael’s long-term successor.
Scott Parker linked with Watford job
With Tom Cleverley having been put in interim charge, there has been surprisingly little news regarding who the club might be targeting to replace Ismael permanently.
There is, however, one name that has appeared in the press.
According to The Mirror, one name on Watford’s radar is former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker.
The 43-year-old is currently a free agent, having left Belgian side Club Brugge in March 2023 after just three months in charge.
Of course, that means Parker has now been without a club for a year, which means the timing of this one could be right.
