Former Watford head coach Tom Cleverley appears to be in line for an instant return to management with Southampton, according to The Guardian.
The ex-Hornets midfielder was given his first taste of management when he was appointed at Vicarage Road in March 2024. It was a move which proved popular with supporters, with Cleverley viewed as a hero at the Hertfordshire-based club.
Despite having to deal with a number of off-field issues, the 35-year-old defied the odds to keep Watford in an unlikely battle to reach the Championship play-offs. However, a poor end to the campaign saw them finish 14th.
Cleverley had to contend with rumours of his dismissal earlier on in the season, which was met with huge backlash from the fans. This forced Watford to issue a statement in January backing their coach, but this proved to be short lived. Sporting director Gian Luca Nani declared earlier this month that “the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefited from the experience of the Championship this season.”
Watford’s Loss, Southampton’s Gain?
Southampton will return to the Championship next season following a dismal short stay in the Premier League. They have been through two permanent managers this season, with Russell Martin departing in December whilst Ivan Juric was given the bullet in April.
They have been consistently linked to Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl, although it now appears as if Cleverley is the front runner. It is claimed that the former Manchester United and England midfielder held talks earlier this week alongside Will Still, but it is the former that has impressed during those initial conversations.
The report states that he now has a ‘strong chance’ of landing the job at the Saints, although a deal could still be struck with Still. The 32-year-old has made the decision to leave French outfit RC Lens in order to return to England.
Writer’s View
It speaks volumes about Cleverley’s reputation that he is now in line to land a job at Southampton. Although they will be playing in the same division next season, the Saints are better placed that Watford to challenge at the top end of the Championship next season. The decision to axe their former player is still seen as a perplexing one and it is one they could live to regret.
