Since Aidy Boothroyd’s three-and-a-half-year stint as Watford manager ended in 2008, no permanent Hornets boss has lasted beyond 100 games in charge. The club changed hands in 2012, and since 2014, Gino Pozzo has been the man in charge at Vicarage Road, showing no mercy when it comes to sacking managers. Ironically, Javi Gracia, who oversaw the most games as Watford manager under Pozzo, has made a return to the club after a two-year absence.
Paulo Pezzolano was appointed as manager over the summer but was swiftly replaced by Gracia after just 10 games in charge. In this ranking, FourFourTwo lists all 23 permanent managers since Boothroyd’s tenure, including some surprising names and blasts from the past that leave even die-hard football fans questioning if they really managed Watford.
Roy Hodgson (January – May 2022): Unfortunately, Roy takes the wooden spoon with an 11 per cent win ratio during his 18-game stint, winning only twice. The Hornets were relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season, with Hodgson’s tenure culminating in a 1-0 defeat against Palace. Not the best way to go out, Roy.
Claudio Ranieri (October 2021 – January 2022): Ranieri had a forgettable spell at Watford, winning just four matches out of 32. The Italian coach was unable to get the best out of his squad and was replaced by Hodgson midway through the season. Maybe the Tinkerman wasn’t the right fit for the Hornets after all?
Chris Wilder (March – May 2023): Wilder’s time at Vicarage Road started decently with a 3-0 win over Birmingham City, but it was downhill from there. Only two more wins followed in his 10-game tenure, and Watford finished the Championship season in mid-table. Looks like the Wilder magic didn’t quite work out this time around.
Walter Mazzarri (July 2016 – May 2017): The well-traveled Italian failed to make an impact at Watford, with no wins in his first four games in charge. Despite avoiding relegation, Mazzarri’s tenure was marred by heavy defeats, including a 6-1 loss to Liverpool and a 5-0 trouncing by Manchester City. It seems like the Italian couldn’t quite replicate his success in England.
Valerien Ismael (May 2023 – March 2024): Ismael arrived at Watford with a good reputation but failed to deliver, with only two wins in his first 10 games in charge. His stint was cut short when Tom Cleverley took over on an interim basis and immediately improved the team’s defense. Ismael’s time at Vicarage Road was short-lived, to say the least.
Malky Mackay (June 2009 – June 2011): Mackay’s tenure at Watford ended with 33 wins from 99 matches, but it’s uncertain if he would have lasted as long under Pozzo’s ownership. Despite some streaky performances, including multi-game unbeaten runs, Mackay couldn’t quite find the consistency needed to keep his job. Looks like the Scot had a tough time at the helm.
Oscar Garcia (September 2014): Garcia’s time at Vicarage Road was cut short due to ill health, but he managed to avoid defeat in three out of his four games in charge. Watford fans may not have seen much of Garcia, but his short stint certainly left an impression, albeit a brief one.
Rob Edwards (May – September 2022): Edwards didn’t have the best of times at Watford, winning only three out of his 11 games in charge. Despite his success elsewhere, Edwards couldn’t quite replicate it at Vicarage Road. It seems like the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, especially in football management.
Marco Silva (May 2017 – January 2018): Silva started well at Watford but soon faltered, with only three wins in his next 16 league games. Heavy defeats to the likes of Huddersfield Town and Chelsea spelled the end for Silva at Vicarage Road. It looks like his time in charge was a case of early promise fading away.
Stay tuned for more insights on the other managers who have graced the Watford hotseat over the years. It’s a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, with some managers leaving a lasting impact and others quickly fading into obscurity. The world of football management is a tough one, and at Watford, it seems like the pressure to perform is higher than ever. Who will be the next manager to take on the challenge at Vicarage Road? Only time will tell.
