Watford’s new era under Valerien Ismael isn’t exactly going to plan in the first few months of the Frenchman’s job as head coach.
Tipped to be one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking once more in 2022-23, the Hornets failed to even make the play-offs, and true to GIno Pozzo’s form they went through three different managers in the form of Rob Edwards, Slaven Bilic and Chris Wilder.
Pozzo went in a different direction though when last season came to a close as he decided to bring Ismael back to England following previous spells with Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion.
With star players Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro sold over the summer, Ismael had it tough in the transfer window, especially with not as much funds to play with as he may have liked, and just four new permanent additions were made over the summer.
| Watford – 2023/24 Signings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Signed From | Loan/Permanent |
| Mileta Rajovic | Kalmar FF | Permanent |
| Tom Ince | Reading FC | Permanent |
| Rhys Healey | Toulouse | Permanent |
| Jake Livermore | West Brom | Permanent |
| Jamal Lewis | Newcastle United | Loan |
| Giorgi Chakvetadze | KAA Gent | Loan |
So far though, Watford are struggling and after 11 Championship matches, the Hertfordshire outfit find themselves in 20th position, just two points above the drop zone with only 10 of those on the board.
Despite the poor start to the season, it was a surprise to see Ismael rewarded with a new contract recently, and it is clear to see that the Frencmah has pretty much complete control over all aspects of the first-team at Watford – that includes transfers after the services of technical director Ben Manga were recently no longer required.
And Ismael’s influence saw him turn down the opportunity for Watford to re-unite with one of their former Premier League players who could have perhaps added something in attack in the form of Emmanuel Dennis.
What has Valerien Ismael said on Emmanuel Dennis’ potential return to Watford?
Just a few months after selling the Nigerian forward to Nottingham Forest last year, it was revealed by The Sun that the Tricky Trees were trying to do a deal to send Dennis back to Vicarage Road as he could not play for another club in Europe due to appearing for two teams already in that season.
