Former Man Utd title winner and England international bags first permanent manager role with Championship side
FORMER Manchester United star Tom Cleverley has been announced as Watford’s new permanent manager.
Cleverley, 34, was forced to retire from professional football last summer due to injury.
He subsequently took up a coaching role at the club’s academy, but was appointed first team interim manager following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael in March.
The ex-England midfielder has since guided the club through seven Championship games, winning one and earning five draws.
Watford‘s run of form has prompted club officials to make Cleverley’s position permanent.
The Hornets are yet to confirm a full list of staff for the 2024-25 campaign.
Cleverley recently admitted that he has become more ambitious as a coach due to the way his playing career ended.
He told BBC Sport: “There is a lot of unfinished business from my playing career.
“That drives me forward with my coaching. It motivates me every day.
“I didn’t achieve anything in the Champions League with Manchester United. The title we lost to City.
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“I came to Watford when they were in the Premier League. I retired as a player with them in the Championship. None of it sits right.
“I left a few out there as a player. I probably lacked ambition. But as a coach I am very ambitious.”
Before joining Watford, Cleverley spent two years with Everton.
But a large part of his playing career was spent with Man Utd.
He joined the club’s academy in July 2000 and left 15 years later.
The midfielder made 79 first team appearances for the Red Devils and won the Premier League and the League Cup.
Cleverley spent six years as a player at Watford before retiring.
He made 181 appearances in total for the Hornets.