Watford

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Watford are close to an agreement with La Liga club Sevilla to bring in former Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho, 28, on loan until the end of the season. (The 72), external

The Hornets are also trying to hijack Hull City's deal to sign 31-year-old Southampton defender Charlie Taylor, who already has an agreement in place with the Tigers. (Football League World), external

Want more transfer news and rumours from the EFL? Read Wednesday's gossip column here.

Geoff Doyle
Sports Editor, BBC Three Counties Radio

Image source, Getty Images

Even by Watford standards, what happened last week was pretty bonkers.

Three hours after head coach Tom Cleverley was asking Hornets fans not to sing a song against owner Gino Pozzo, reports emerged in Spain that a new head coach would be replacing him. It left a sour taste in the mouth.

Watford initially denied it and said he'd be in charge for the next game but that didn't put it to bed. Fans were still livid as Cleverley is an extremely popular manager.

It forced the club to release another statement on the actual morning of the match saying he was there for the Coventry game "and well beyond".

It ends speculation temporarily but what happens next? Watford lost at Coventry and are on a run of one win in seven in the Championship - five of them defeats - and have fallen out of the play-off positions.

History tells us that Watford head coaches don't last long in this situation. The owner and board will argue they have every right to change their head coach if they feel the club isn't moving forward.

Cleverley might argue he hasn't been given much help in in the January transfer window. But he did tellingly back chief executive Scott Duxbury after the Coventry defeat.

So, if it is Pozzo calling the shots, ultimately he is now in a tricky situation and it feels like we are in limbo. If the story hadn't leaked in Spain, it feels pretty likely that they would have made the change after the Coventry loss. As it is, they now will have to wait.

And so, as well as them, it puts Cleverley in an awkward position. I suppose the big question is define what "well beyond" means to the board and particularly the owner.

You can listen to BBC Three Counties Radio's commentary of Watford v Norwich on 103.8FM on Saturday.

Watford loanee Fest Ebosele is wanted by Turkish side Galatasaray when he returns to his parent club Udinese in the summer. (The 72), external

Out-of-favour Nottingham Forest forward Emmanuel Dennis is more likely to join Watford on loan than Sheffield Wednesday amid interest from both Championship clubs. (The Star), external

Want more transfer news and rumours from the EFL? Read Monday's gossip column here.

Image source, Rex Features

Tom Cleverley states his relationship with Watford CEO Scott Duxbury is "fantastic" in what has been a "turbulent" time as manager.

Cleverley's comments came after the Hornets lost to Frank Lampard's Coventry City 2-1 on Saturday despite a spirited fightback.

That was on the back a statement from Watford on Friday night dismissing reports in Spain that he was set to be replaced as "pure speculation", while on Saturday owner Gino Pozzo delivered his public support for the head coach.

"It's been quite turbulent – I'm quite good at not taking things to heart, good or bad," Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"Scott Duxbury has been a supporter of mine, we have a fantastic relationship and he's always backed me.

"My job is just to focus on the team and I know Scott will always back me."

Former Watford player Cleverley was appointed permanently in April 2024, external following Valerien Ismael's sacking by the Watford board, that includes Duxbury.

The 35-year-old had lost just one of his first seven matches in charge as interim boss and guided the Hertfordshire club to 15th last season, safe from relegation.

But speculation surrounding Cleverley's future at Vicarage Road has ramped up the last 48 hours and his side's latest defeat, their fifth in seven games, will not have eased the pressure or the focus on his position.

"I'm in an industry where poor results will bring speculation around my job," Cleverley added.

"That doesn't scare me one bit, I'm determined, resilient and ready to work harder than ever and fight.

"I got into this because I'm passionate about developing players and that's what I want to concentrate on."

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We asked you what you made of the speculation surrounding the future of Watford boss Tom Cleverley and the job he is doing at Vicarage Road and supporters have been unanimous in their views.

From nearly 200 responses in barely two hours, only one person thought it was time for a change.

Here is a selection of fans' thoughts...

Patrick: We are only where we are because of him. This squad is much worse than any we have had for years with minimal investment from the owners. Cleverley is the most popular manager since Graham Taylor.

Miles: The club's official statement sums it all up - "Tom will be in charge for the match at Coventry City". What about the game after, and the game after that? For a club that once prided itself on its integrity, the treatment of one of its modern day heroes has been a disgrace.

Dylan: Genuine contender for worst decision in club history if we sack him, and with our record, that takes some doing.

Ian: Watford supporters have become totally fed up with the short-term hiring and firing of coaches. That's why the supporters are completely supportive of Tom and his often highly entertaining team. For the first time in years - probably since early Javier Gracia days - we have a coach we like and feel a connection with.

Cloud: Of course he's doing a good job. Gino Pozzo, the owner, is creating uncertainty among the players and trouble for himself. It's what he always does when things get tough - he panics. Support Cleverley by bringing in some much-needed recruits and leave him for the next season and a half to manage things his way.

David: He makes mistakes but is honest, hard working, committed and talented. One point from the play-offs - sack him and a lot of supporters will walk - 14,000 season ticket holders back him totally.

Steve: Yes we're having a rough patch as all teams do, but overall he has been better than most of the many head coaches that we have had over the last few years. We're a point off the playoffs, give the guy a chance, and a decent striker please.

Roger: I am afraid I think we need a new manager.

Colin: TC has done well, he will be a quality coach. Man City didn't get rid of Pep when they had a worse record earlier in the season. TC is learning and gutted if he goes. He lives the club, why would we want another journeyman head coach?

Kirsty: This shouldn't even be a question. Having Tom as gaffer has made my club feel like Watford again. He's still learning and doesn't get everything right, but he's way outperformed pre-season expectations - and all with with one hand tied behind his back.

Image source, Rex Features

There is uncertainty surrounding the future of Watford head coach Tom Cleverley, with reports in Spain claiming the Hornets have been in talks with former Villarreal boss Jose Rojo Martin, known as Pacheta.

The Hornets have taken just four points from their past six games but Watford released a brief statement on Thursday night confirming Cleverley's position for the weekend, and branding reports 'pure speculation'.

Cleverley was appointed on a permanent basis in April last year after a spell in interim charge with the Hornets winning only two of their final 10 games of the season but they are eighth in the Championship and just one point outside the play-off places.

Have your say on the job Tom Cleverley is doing at Vicarage Road: is a change needed or has he shown he is the right man for the Hornets?

Come back to this page later today to find a selection of your replies.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford have dismissed rumours that head coach Tom Cleverley could be facing the sack after the team only managed four points from the last six games.

"Watford FC confirms Tom will be in charge for the match at Coventry City and that the speculation over his position is just that - pure speculation," the club posted on X on Thursday evening.

Cleverley has been in charge at Vicarage Road since April 2024, having been placed in interim charge when Valerien Ismael was sacked the previous month.

But reports claim the Hornets have been in talks with former Villarreal boss Jose Rojo Martin, known as Pacheta.

Watford are eighth in the table, just one point outside the play-off places, as they look to regain the Premier League status they lost in 2022.

In-form Coventry City welcome Watford to the CBS Arena on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Despite their contrasting fortunes over the season so far, a win for Frank Lampard's side could haul them into the top 10 and within three points of Tom Cleverley's Hornets.

• Coventry have lost one of their past 11 league games against Watford, a 3-2 defeat in November 2020.

• Each of Watford's past four away league games against Coventry have ended in draws, as many as across their prior 32 matches combined.

• Coventry have kept a clean sheet in each of their past three home league games (W2 D1) and will be looking to keep four in succession for the first time since January 2021.

• After beating Derby County 2-0 in their last league game on the road, Watford will be looking to win successive away matches in the Championship for the first time since December 2023.

• Brandon Thomas-Asante has scored in his past two league games, having scored once in his first 25 league appearances for Coventry. He last scored in three consecutive Football League appearances in January 2022 for Salford City.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford boss Tom Cleverley is facing up to an injury headache after Tuesday's bruising defeat at home to Preston North End.

Cleverley revealed forward Kwadwo Baah and midfielder Festy Ebosele could be out for weeks, while Imran Louza and Kevin Keben will be monitored.

He told a press conference, external that Baah had undergone a scan on his thigh on Wednesday and added: "His injury looks like it could be a fairly significant one – a good few weeks. It's a substantial tear."

Cleverley fears midfielder Ebosele could be sidelined for even longer with an ankle ligament injury, which the boss likened to the injury to keeper Daniel Bachmann - who is out for about three months,

He said: "Festy is not good news either, and one that we thought might not be so serious.

"There was more than one occasion on Tuesday when Preston recovered possession with tackles coming in from behind that made contact with the player as well as the ball.

"Festy's injury looks a lot like Bachmann's from our initial scans, but we'll assess further and go from there."

The Hornets' head coach added Imran Louza's ankle injury was "the best – or least worst – of the three".

"We'll be running some more tests. It's not the knee he's been managing, it's lower down, another tackle from behind that's caused a twist of the ankle."

Cleverley also revealed defender Kevin Keben's training load was being managed because of a knee issue.

"With Kévin, the type of injury he's had means his knee can be prone to swelling," he said.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford need more players who can do the basics well, says head coach Tom Cleverley.

The Hornets followed Saturday's 2-0 Championship win at Derby by being beaten 2-1 at home by mid-table Preston on Tuesday night.

"I've been promoted from this division and there is no future in giving a nine-out-of-10 performance on the Saturday and a two-out-of-10 on the Tuesday - you are better hitting seven every single game," Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"The season we were promoted, we were a better than average team but our lowest performance was an average of six or seven out of 10 and we never went below that and that's by doing the basics."

Watford have so far signed defender James Abankwah on loan from Italian Serie A club Udinese during the transfer window and Cleverley is looking for more new recruits.

"There's no future in being a team of mavericks in this division so we need more players who play percentage football and do the basics well."

Watford are one point outside the Championship play-off places and visit Coventry City on Saturday.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford manager Tom Cleverley fears Kwadwo Baah's injury sustained in the 2-1 home defeat by Preston is "significant".

The Hornets boss was scathing about his team but his problems were compounded by the loss of Baah's replacement Festy Ebosele and a knock for Imran Louza.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I'm not sure of the extent of Festy and Imran but Baah looks like a significant injury. We were all on the same page that we needed to improve the squad before this game but I can say that with a bit more conviction now."

On his side's display, he said: "I keep banging on about those basics but we were just absolutely nowhere near it in the first half. They ran harder, they ran faster, they tackled harder, won every first contact and every second contact - and that's even before I start on us technically as a team.

"We are throwing games into the hands of the gods, always giving ourselves mountains to climb. It's what we are at the minute, a very inconsistent football team.

"I told the players before the game we have a great record when we go ahead so that should be extra incentive but we just don't look like a team that's willing to take that step at the minute."

Watford ended a run of four league games without a win (D1 L3) when they won 2-0 at Derby County on Saturday and are only outside the Championship play-off spots on goal difference.

The Hornets welcome a Preston North End side who have not won in three, including a goalless draw at Luton Town at the weekend, and are five points above the drop zone.

• Watford have lost one of their past seven league games against Preston (W3 D3 L1), though that defeat was the reverse fixture in October (0-3).

• Preston have failed to win any of their past seven away league games against Watford (D4 L3), since a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road in August 2005.

• Watford have won both of their home midweek league games this season, beating Bristol City 1-0 in November and Portsmouth 2-1 in December.

• Preston have lost one of their seven midweek league games this season (W3 D3 L1), though that defeat (a 3-1 loss) came in the most recent game against West Brom on New Year's Day.

• Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom has won two of his three previous EFL meetings with Watford (W2 L1), though his only defeat came at Vicarage Road in August 2022 with Sheffield United, losing 1-0 on the opening day of the 2022-23 campaign.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford boss Tom Cleverley spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio after the Hornets beat Derby County 2-0 at Pride Park.

"It was a fantastic away performance and it's the clean sheet element that really pleases me the most.

"I thought James Abankwah came in for his debut after training for two days and was fantastic. And the whole defensive unit really deserve that today, and especially Jonathan Bond.

"I saw a team that was really willing to sacrifice for the club and for each other. It was a real top performance.

"Everyone's together, through thick and thin, through the setbacks that we have had recently. That's in the past and everyone is fighting and sacrificing together – players, staff and fans.

"We are now only one point off fifth and it's starting to look up again."

Image source, Rex Features

Watford must learn recruitment lessons from last season when their Championship promotion challenge fell away, says head coach Tom Cleverley.

The Hornets are three points short of the play-off places and, at the same stage last season, were four points behind the top six before going on to finish 15th.

"We must bring in some fresh minds as well as an injection in quality - the next two weeks is an important period for us," Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"Last season I'm sure we were in a similar position at this stage and fell away. We have to learn from that. Why did that happen?"

Watford have made one signing so far in this January transfer window with the addition of defender James Abankwah on loan from Italian Serie A club Udinese for the remainder of the season.

"Like most other clubs now, recruitment is left to another department.

"We sit down and talk about what type of team we want to be, what system we want to recruit to, what areas of that system we see we can improve the most, and we highlight some targets. I have my input, and that's taken on board, and hopefully as many of those [as possible] can be executed," added Cleverley.

Watford visit Derby County in the Championship on Saturday.

Watford take a trip to Derby County on Saturday in a bid to end their four-game winless run in the Championship. (15:00 GMT).

The Hornets secured a late equaliser in their midweek draw at Cardiff City to avoid a second loss of the week after falling to Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Derby are on a losing streak of their own and suffered a dramatic upset against League One's Leyton Orient to see them knocked out of the cup after a thrilling penalty shootout.

• Derby have lost just three of their past 15 home league games against Watford (D4 L8), scoring 2.1 goals per game over that period.

• Watford have won each of their past three league games against Derby - as many victories as across their prior 12 meetings with the Rams combined between 2009 and 2015 (D1 L8).

• Derby have lost each of their past three league games, last losing more in a row back in May 2021 under Wayne Rooney (6).

• Only Leeds United's (2.9) and Middlesbrough's (2.7) weekend games (Fri/Sat/Sun) are averaging more goals in the Championship this season than Watford's (2.6 – 47 in 18).

• Derby County's Ebou Adams has conceded the most fouls in the Championship so far this season (48) as well as receiving the most yellow cards of any Rams player (7).