Watford to change manager? (yet again)

[AberRed]

https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-watford-to-sack-chris-wilder-make-contact-with-34-year-old-to-replace-him/

Not entirely sure I trust this source but you wouldn't put it past them would you?

I would say this'll hopefully make this weekend's game a little easier but by now, managerial chaos must just be the default state at Watford now

[sephjnr]

Wilder is out of contract at the end of the year and they're choosing not to extend it.

[Davefevs]

Yeah, was an “until end of the season” jobby.

[AberRed]

Ahhh I wasn't aware of that. At least they were honest about how long he would last

[sephjnr]

Nonetheless isn't the body count for this season 17 out of 24 (including Wilder)? absolutely nuts.

[Red-Robbo]

Their new manager will be their 22nd in 22 years (not counting caretaker bosses). Longest tenure in that time was Zola with 75 games.

Think they just stick the managers' names on their office door with post-it notes these days.  

[Super]

They are a joke of a football club.

[italian dave]

40 minutes ago, AberRed said:

Ahhh I wasn't aware of that. At least they were honest about how long he would last

Although, Watford being Watford, I think he might be a bit optimistic believe it he’s going to last that long! 

[Swede]

A very strange club. Those "loan" players moving between the owners three clubs must completely undermine any new manager's ideas.

Just look at Rob Edwards, didn't last long there but just look at the job he's doing at Luton with a lot less resources at his disposal. 

[Cityboy1954]

27 minutes ago, Super said:

They are a joke of a football club.

More managers than goals scored .

[firstdivision]

At West Ham, they had the sign ‘Managers’ Office’ on the manager’s door when Alan Pardew was there. Anyone concerned with the concept of attention to detail would have had that changed pdq.

[Northern Red]

I'm just glad they mentioned the terms both parties agreed, because Watford have a reputation for always sticking to those sorts of things and I'd hate to see it called into question...

[Rob k]

44 minutes ago, Swede said:

A very strange club. Those "loan" players moving between the owners three clubs must completely undermine any new manager's ideas.

Just look at Rob Edwards, didn't last long there but just look at the job he's doing at Luton with a lot less resources at his disposal. 

Doing a cracking job for their local rivals too, that must stick in their throats a bit!! I can’t stand Watford, if there was a team I’d like to see slide down the divisions it would be them and it’s purely down to the way they go through managers, it’s ridiculous 

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

I do wonder what the process of choosing managers is. Do they just put around 500 names in a large hat and then get some child to be blindfolded and pick one. 

[Red-Robbo]

2 minutes ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

I do wonder what the process of choosing managers is. Do they just put around 500 names in a large hat and then get some child to be blindfolded and pick one. 

 

Everyone has a mate like Watford.  Hits on several hundred women, basically anything with a pulse, on the basis that one time in every 200 he'll be successful. 

[22A]

Managers are sacked if the team fails.

Will we ever see a Chairman being removed from the board for continually making bad appointments?

[ScottishRed]

8 minutes ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

I do wonder what the process of choosing managers is. Do they just put around 500 names in a large hat and then get some child to be blindfolded and pick one. 

They use  LJ’s tombola machine.

[Coxy27]

1 hour ago, Super said:

They are a joke of a football club.

It's up to them how they manage their club.

They've been in the top flight a lot more recently than any other time in their history really (about equivalent to the 80s).

So - to be honest, you'd probably have to say it works for them.

Don't see why this makes them 'a joke'

Managers know what the owners are like, they agree to do the job. They probably know it won't last and enjoy the money.

[Super]

16 minutes ago, Coxy27 said:

It's up to them how they manage their club.

They've been in the top flight a lot more recently than any other time in their history really (about equivalent to the 80s).

So - to be honest, you'd probably have to say it works for them.

Don't see why this makes them 'a joke'

Managers know what the owners are like, they agree to do the job. They probably know it won't last and enjoy the money.

And how long do they stay there? Mid table in the championship suggests it's not working. Getting rid of Rob Edwards after 11 games was a massive mistake.

[Coxy27]

22 minutes ago, Super said:

And how long do they stay there? Mid table in the championship suggests it's not working. Getting rid of Rob Edwards after 11 games was a massive mistake.

15-16 prem - 13th, FA Cup Semi Final

16-17 prem - 17th

17-18 prem - 14th

18-19 prem - 11th, FA Cup Final

19-20 prem - 19th (relegated)

20-21 Champ - 2nd promoted

21-22 Prem - 19th (relegated)

So to answer your question... 5 seasons the first time? Two good cup runs, some great results. I am sure the fans enjoyed the ride.

I think you're suffering from a short memory, personally.

[Super]

27 minutes ago, Coxy27 said:

15-16 prem - 13th, FA Cup Semi Final

16-17 prem - 17th

17-18 prem - 14th

18-19 prem - 11th, FA Cup Final

19-20 prem - 19th (relegated)

20-21 Champ - 2nd promoted

21-22 Prem - 19th (relegated)

So to answer your question... 5 seasons the first time? Two good cup runs, some great results. I am sure the fans enjoyed the ride.

I think you're suffering from a short memory, personally.

Fair point. 

[Northern Red]

1 hour ago, Coxy27 said:

It's up to them how they manage their club.

They've been in the top flight a lot more recently than any other time in their history really (about equivalent to the 80s).

So - to be honest, you'd probably have to say it works for them.

Don't see why this makes them 'a joke'

Managers know what the owners are like, they agree to do the job. They probably know it won't last and enjoy the money.

Nige has since confirmed as much when talking about his time in charge there. Knew he might not get more than a few months so just tried to do his best and enjoy it, knowing that it probably wouldn't harm his reputation too much.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I think it worked up to a point. Only takes one or two bad appointments or hasty sackings though and then you're in a downward spiral!

I would say sacking Silva was probably harsh although he's had his ups and downs.

Sacking Gracia most definitely was. Seemed early given his track record.

NP may or may not have kept them up but that was ridiculous.

Edwards- could argue Munoz too, took them up and averaging about a point a game. Not like Hodgson or Ranieri outstripped...

[Mr Popodopolous]

To make another observation they really seem in a hurry to get back up don't they. This season.

Checked their records. Edwards averaged 1.4 pts per game (P10Pts14), Wilder so far has 5 from 6.

Bilic with 37 from 25 is certainly the best and you'd have assumed best bet of the 3 for next season in a 2 year plan scenario but...like I say seem very keen to go straight back up. FFP or cash flow perhaps a factor here.

Still a Telegraph article says 2 wins in 14 so maybe not but yeah they seem in a mad hurry to get back up this season.

 Not City related but a good article in any event.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/04/13/how-watford-became-the-laughing-stock-of-the-championship/

Edited April 14, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Sir Geoff]

Hopefully the faithful will be singing " you're getting sacked in the morning" tomorrow from the away end.

[Curr Avon]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

To make another observation they really seem in a hurry to get back up don't they. This season.

Checked their records. Edwards averaged 1.4 pts per game (P10Pts14), Wilder so far has 5 from 6.

Bilic with 37 from 25 is certainly the best and you'd have assumed best bet of the 3 for next season in a 2 year plan scenario but...like I say seem very keen to go straight back up. FFP or cash flow perhaps a factor here.

Still a Telegraph article says 2 wins in 14 so maybe not but yeah they seem in a mad hurry to get back up this season.

 Not City related but a good article in any event.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/04/13/how-watford-became-the-laughing-stock-of-the-championship/

Please can you cut and paste the article? Pesky paywalls.

[Markthehorn]

7 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

To make another observation they really seem in a hurry to get back up don't they. This season.

Checked their records. Edwards averaged 1.4 pts per game (P10Pts14), Wilder so far has 5 from 6.

Bilic with 37 from 25 is certainly the best and you'd have assumed best bet of the 3 for next season in a 2 year plan scenario but...like I say seem very keen to go straight back up. FFP or cash flow perhaps a factor here.

Still a Telegraph article says 2 wins in 14 so maybe not but yeah they seem in a mad hurry to get back up this season.

 Not City related but a good article in any event.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/04/13/how-watford-became-the-laughing-stock-of-the-championship/

Basically the board wanted us to get promoted (we won't be) because we're about 100 million in debt...

We will be losing loads of players in the summer and not getting many in.

Mind you a lot won't be missed by the fans but most expect tough times to come.

 

On 12/04/2023 at 14:58, Super said:

And how long do they stay there? Mid table in the championship suggests it's not working. Getting rid of Rob Edwards after 11 games was a massive mistake.

Basically the CEO said he was a long term option and was going to be backed but the owner took over and sacked him for a few iffy results when actually it wasn't too bad compared to as other say the record of the managers since!

 

On 12/04/2023 at 17:21, Mr Popodopolous said:

I think it worked up to a point. Only takes one or two bad appointments or hasty sackings though and then you're in a downward spiral!

I would say sacking Silva was probably harsh although he's had his ups and downs.

Sacking Gracia most definitely was. Seemed early given his track record.

NP may or may not have kept them up but that was ridiculous.

Edwards- could argue Munoz too, took them up and averaging about a point a game. Not like Hodgson or Ranieri outstripped...

Pearson went for non-footballing reasons if you believe the rumours and allegations but he was doing a good job although COVID got in the way.

Munoz was unlucky but many fans weren't fussed to see him go really as they thought he was "out of his depth" - but as you say the next 2 hardly fared better. 

Silva was sacked as basically he was fully focused on going to Everton - a move both probably regret.

Agree on Gracia but suspect the 6-0 defeat to Man City in the cup final bruised a few egos.

[PHILINFRANCE]

3 hours ago, Markthehorn said:

Basically the board wanted us to get promoted (we won't be) because we're about 100 million in debt...

We will be losing loads of players in the summer and not getting many in.

Mind you a lot won't be missed by the fans but most expect tough times to come.

 

Basically the CEO said he was a long term option and was going to be backed but the owner took over and sacked him for a few iffy results when actually it wasn't too bad compared to as other say the record of the managers since!

 

Pearson went for non-footballing reasons if you believe the rumours and allegations but he was doing a good job although COVID got in the way.

Munoz was unlucky but many fans weren't fussed to see him go really as they thought he was "out of his depth" - but as you say the next 2 hardly fared better. 

Silva was sacked as basically he was fully focused on going to Everton - a move both probably regret.

Agree on Gracia but suspect the 6-0 defeat to Man City in the cup final bruised a few egos.

A very interesting insight.

Many Thanks.

[Mr Popodopolous]

4 hours ago, Markthehorn said:

Basically the board wanted us to get promoted (we won't be) because we're about 100 million in debt...

We will be losing loads of players in the summer and not getting many in.

Mind you a lot won't be missed by the fans but most expect tough times to come.

 

Basically the CEO said he was a long term option and was going to be backed but the owner took over and sacked him for a few iffy results when actually it wasn't too bad compared to as other say the record of the managers since!

 

Pearson went for non-footballing reasons if you believe the rumours and allegations but he was doing a good job although COVID got in the way.

Munoz was unlucky but many fans weren't fussed to see him go really as they thought he was "out of his depth" - but as you say the next 2 hardly fared better. 

Silva was sacked as basically he was fully focused on going to Everton - a move both probably regret.

Agree on Gracia but suspect the 6-0 defeat to Man City in the cup final bruised a few egos.

 

1 hour ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

A very interesting insight.

Many Thanks.

Seconded- that is a strong insight, many thanks for it- and NP non-footballing reasons I did wonder.

He's been quite unlucky in his career in some ways IMO albeit we are lucky to have him. I'm possibly biased but I honestly think he could hold his own as manager of a bottom third to perhaps lower midtable PL side.

Edited April 14, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

Edit- double post.

Edited April 14, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Port Said Red]

On 12/04/2023 at 14:23, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

I do wonder what the process of choosing managers is. Do they just put around 500 names in a large hat and then get some child to be blindfolded and pick one. 

 

On 12/04/2023 at 14:32, ScottishRed said:

They use  LJ’s tombola machine.

I am expecting to see it advertised on TV like that OMAZE draw to win a £1m house in some random part of the country, a hefty amount of cash and a gas guzzling supercar. 

"Enter our draw* to win a chance to become Manager. You will receive £30,000pw for six months for only one month's work, an all expenses paid stay in a luxury hotel in the Hertfordshire countryside for the month, and a company car. Draw for this month closes at midnight Saturday"

 

 

 

 

*No purchase necessary, see terms and conditions. 1 month work is dependent on results and may vary in length.

[Markthehorn]

9 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

 

Seconded- that is a strong insight, many thanks for it- and NP non-footballing reasons I did wonder.

He's been quite unlucky in his career in some ways IMO albeit we are lucky to have him. I'm possibly biased but I honestly think he could hold his own as manager of a bottom third to perhaps lower midtable PL side.

I mean it was alleged rather than anything proven but did seem a bit odd he went so soon after this supposed incident came out in the media. and with basically a week left of the season and on his contract.

We had 2 games v Arsenal and Man City (least you seem to give them a game btw!) as it was the prolonged COVID season so surely even our board didn't expect a change to make any difference and we only appointed a care taker anyway?

Basically we've been sacking managers since they got here with Dyche first being replaced by Zola which was pretty random in itself but worked for a season and we sort of got away with that due to being promoted and staying in the Premier league despite the chaos  but it's rather unraveled in the past 2 seasons particularly

3 managers a season and getting worse each time pretty much. - in theory Wilder's result mean he could well be sacked (1 win and losing to the likes of QPR, Huddersfield, drawing at home to Wigan) when you consider Edwards was dumped after beating Burnley/Sheffield United and drawing at WBA.

Of course it might just be we have a set of under performing players and others who aren't actually that good...

But as we see more and more in football generally it's the manager who gets blamed.

Edited April 15, 2023 by Markthehorn

[downendcity]

With the thread title does anyone else have to keep checking back to the OP to be certain as to what manager it is that Watford have just sacked, in case they've missed one?

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

 

I am expecting to see it advertised on TV like that OMAZE draw to win a £1m house in some random part of the country, a hefty amount of cash and a gas guzzling supercar. 

"Enter our draw* to win a chance to become Manager. You will receive £30,000pw for six months for only one month's work, an all expenses paid stay in a luxury hotel in the Hertfordshire countryside for the month, and a company car. Draw for this month closes at midnight Saturday"

 

 

 

 

*No purchase necessary, see terms and conditions. 1 month work is dependent on results and may vary in length.

I’m winning that house in Cornwall, I’m telling you!

[Kingswood Robin]

On 12/04/2023 at 15:26, Coxy27 said:

15-16 prem - 13th, FA Cup Semi Final

16-17 prem - 17th

17-18 prem - 14th

18-19 prem - 11th, FA Cup Final

19-20 prem - 19th (relegated)

20-21 Champ - 2nd promoted

21-22 Prem - 19th (relegated)

So to answer your question... 5 seasons the first time? Two good cup runs, some great results. I am sure the fans enjoyed the ride.

I think you're suffering from a short memory, personally.

In those 6 seasons they've pretty much covered our entire history!

Much like Chelsea, the last 25 years represents their best league performance in their history and they've had 23 managers in that time. Strange how changing manager every five minutes seems to work reasonably well for some clubs and for others it's a disaster.