| Manager Name | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Garrido | 5/1 | BetVictor |
| Gary O’Neil | 6/1 | Betfair |
| Sean Dyche | 8/1 | Sky Bet |
| Rob Page | 8/1 | Bet365 |
| Sergej Jakirovic | 10/1 | Paddy Power |
Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Current Situation at Watford
Watford have parted ways with head coach Tom Cleverley following a disappointing end to the 2024–25 Championship season.
Appointed permanently in April 2024 after a brief interim period, Cleverley’s tenure saw the team finish 14th, securing only five wins in 2025. This decision marks the club’s 12th managerial change since 2020, highlighting a pattern of frequent turnover under owner Gino Pozzo.
The managerial position at Vicarage Road is often considered volatile, with the average tenure being notably short. As the search for a new manager begins, betting markets are active, reflecting the uncertainty and speculation surrounding potential candidates.
Odds fluctuate rapidly in response to media reports, interviews, and other developments, making this a dynamic and closely watched situation.
Who Will Be the Watford Manager?
With Tom Cleverley’s departure, Watford are seeking a new leader to guide their young squad forward. Several candidates have emerged, with betting markets reflecting the dynamic nature of the search.
Alberto Garrido (Top Candidate)
Overview: Alberto Garrido, a 48-year-old Spanish coach, joined Watford as First Team Coach in June 2024 after a 15-year tenure at Real Madrid Castilla. At Castilla, he worked alongside notable figures like Santiago Solari, Guti, and Raúl, contributing to the development of players such as Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Achraf Hakimi, and Martin Ødegaard. Garrido’s extensive experience in nurturing young talent aligns with Watford’s emphasis on youth development.
Strengths and Style: Garrido is known for promoting technical proficiency and a possession-based style of play. His background with Real Madrid’s youth system has honed his ability to develop young players, making him a strong fit for Watford’s strategy. His familiarity with the club’s current setup positions him as a candidate who could ensure continuity while fostering growth.
Odds Analysis: Following Cleverley’s sacking, Garrido has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over, with odds of 5/1 at BetVictor. His internal presence and coaching credentials have made him a logical choice in the eyes of both the club and bettors.
Gary O’Neil
Overview: Gary O’Neil, a 41-year-old English manager, has garnered attention for his recent stints in the Premier League. After a playing career spanning clubs like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and West Ham United, O’Neil transitioned into management.
He notably managed AFC Bournemouth, leading them to a 15th-place finish in the 2022–23 Premier League season. Subsequently, he took charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023, where he remained until December 2024. His managerial approach emphasises resilience and adaptability, qualities that could benefit Watford’s ambitions.
Strengths and Style: O’Neil is recognised for his pragmatic tactics and ability to stabilise teams under pressure. His experience in managing clubs facing relegation threats showcases his capability to motivate squads and implement effective game plans. Watford, aiming for consistency and growth, might find his approach aligning with their objectives.
Odds Analysis: Following Cleverley’s exit, O’Neil has emerged as a strong contender for the Watford managerial position. Betting markets reflect this, with odds placing him among the top candidates. His recent Premier League experience and reputation for steadying teams contribute to his appeal for the role.
Sean Dyche
Overview: Sean Dyche, a 53-year-old English manager, began his coaching career at Watford, serving as the club’s manager during the 2011–12 season. He then led Burnley from 2012 to 2022, achieving two promotions to the Premier League and a notable seventh-place finish in the 2017–18 season, securing Europa League qualification.
Dyche managed Everton from January 2023 until January 2025, helping the club avoid relegation amid financial challenges. His extensive experience in English football, particularly in the Championship and Premier League, makes him a seasoned candidate for Watford’s managerial position.
Strengths and Style: Dyche is renowned for his strong leadership and organisational skills. He emphasises defensive solidity and team cohesion, often employing a 4-4-2 formation. His pragmatic approach and ability to maximise resources have been evident throughout his managerial career. Dyche’s familiarity with Watford and his track record of stabilising teams could align well with the club’s objectives.
Odds Analysis: Following his departure from Everton, Dyche has been linked with several managerial vacancies, including Watford. Betting markets have responded to this speculation, with odds reflecting his potential return to Vicarage Road. His previous association with the club and extensive managerial experience contribute to his consideration as a viable candidate.
Rob Page
Overview: Rob Page, born in 1974, is a Welsh football manager and former defender. He began his playing career at Watford, making over 200 appearances and captaining the team to promotions in 1998 and 1999. After retiring, Page transitioned into management, leading clubs like Port Vale and Northampton Town.
He later managed Wales’ U21 team before becoming the senior national team manager in 2020. Under his leadership, Wales reached the Euro 2020 Round of 16 and qualified for the 2022 World Cup, their first in 64 years. Page departed the role in June 2024 following a series of underwhelming results.
Strengths and Style: Page is known for his disciplined approach and emphasis on team cohesion. He often employs a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and structured play. His experience in nurturing young talent and navigating high-pressure situations could align well with Watford’s objectives, especially given his familiarity with the club’s culture.
Odds Analysis: Given his previous Hornets’ connections, Page has emerged as a strong contender for the Watford managerial position. Betting markets reflect this, with odds placing him among the top candidates. His recent experience with the Welsh national team and deep ties to Watford contribute to his appeal for the role.
Sergej Jakirović
Overview: Sergej Jakirović, born in Mostar in 1976, is a Bosnian football manager with a diverse coaching portfolio across Europe.
His managerial journey includes stints at clubs like NK Sesvete, HNK Gorica, NK Maribor, Zrinjski Mostar, HNK Rijeka, and Dinamo Zagreb. Notably, he led Zrinjski Mostar to a Bosnian Premier League title in the 2021–22 season and secured a league and cup double with Dinamo Zagreb in the 2023–24 season. As of January 2025, he took charge of Turkish Süper Lig side Kayserispor.
Strengths and Style: Jakirović is recognised for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on disciplined, organised play. His preferred formation is the 4-2-3-1, allowing for both defensive solidity and attacking versatility. His ability to adapt strategies based on opponent analysis and match situations has been a hallmark of his coaching style. Furthermore, his experience in developing young talent aligns with clubs aiming to nurture emerging players.
Odds Analysis: Following Tom Cleverley’s departure from Watford, Jakirović has emerged as a contender for the managerial position. Betting markets have responded, with odds placing him among the top candidates. His recent achievements and experience in European competitions contribute to his appeal for the role.
How to Bet on the Watford Manager
Placing a bet on Watford’s next manager is simple. Follow these steps to navigate the market and make an informed wager on the Hornets’ next appointment.
Find a Bookmaker:
Choose a reputable football betting site that offers odds on the Watford manager market.
👉 Best Football Betting Sites – The Real EFL
Locate the Market:
Navigate through the site to find the “Next Watford Manager” betting section.
Select Your Candidate:
Choose the manager you believe is most likely to take the job.
Add to Bet Slip:
Click on your chosen name to add it to your betting slip.
Set Your Stake:
Enter how much money you want to bet on your selection.
Confirm Your Bet:
Review your bet and confirm to place it.
Monitor Updates:
Stay up-to-date with news and odds changes to see how the market moves.
Understanding Managerial Betting Markets
“Next Manager” betting markets allow punters to wager on who will take over a managerial role, usually before an official club announcement. The most common bet is the outright winner—the person named as the next permanent manager.
Other options include first to be appointed, interim manager for markets, or next manager to be sacked. Odds shift rapidly based on rumours, interviews, and insider tips, making these markets highly reactive and ideal for those who follow football news closely.
Watford Managerial History & Trends
Watford have become synonymous with managerial turnover, especially under the ownership of the Pozzo family. Since 2012, the club has appointed over 20 managers, often opting for short-term solutions to meet immediate goals—whether promotion to the Premier League or survival within it. This hire-and-fire culture has seen even successful managers replaced swiftly.
Watford’s leadership typically prefers experienced European coaches, particularly those with defensive discipline or tactical flexibility, although more recently they’ve experimented with homegrown names like Rob Edwards and Tom Cleverley. The club’s managerial choices often reflect their reactive approach to performance rather than long-term strategic planning.
Below is a table of Watford managers since 2000, including their appointment and end dates, and their days in charge:
| Manager | Appointment Date | To | Days in Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Taylor | 1997-06-01 | 2001-05-01 | 1430 |
| Gianluca Vialli | 2001-05-01 | 2002-06-01 | 396 |
| Ray Lewington | 2002-06-01 | 2005-03-01 | 1004 |
| Aidy Boothroyd | 2005-03-01 | 2008-11-01 | 1341 |
| Malky Mackay (caretaker) | 2008-11-01 | 2008-11-10 | 9 |
| Brendan Rodgers | 2008-11-11 | 2009-06-01 | 202 |
| Malky Mackay | 2009-06-01 | 2011-06-01 | 730 |
| Sean Dyche | 2011-06-01 | 2012-07-01 | 396 |
| Gianfranco Zola | 2012-07-01 | 2013-12-01 | 518 |
| Giuseppe Sannino | 2013-12-01 | 2014-08-01 | 243 |
| Óscar García | 2014-09-01 | 2014-09-15 | 14 |
| Billy McKinlay | 2014-09-16 | 2014-10-01 | 15 |
| Slaviša Jokanović | 2014-10-02 | 2015-06-01 | 242 |
| Quique Sánchez Flores | 2015-06-01 | 2016-05-01 | 335 |
| Walter Mazzarri | 2016-07-01 | 2017-05-01 | 304 |
| Marco Silva | 2017-05-01 | 2018-01-01 | 245 |
| Javi Gracia | 2018-01-01 | 2019-09-01 | 608 |
| Quique Sánchez Flores | 2019-09-02 | 2019-12-01 | 90 |
| Hayden Mullins (caretaker) | 2019-12-02 | 2019-12-10 | 8 |
| Nigel Pearson | 2019-12-11 | 2020-07-01 | 203 |
| Hayden Mullins (caretaker) | 2020-07-02 | 2020-07-31 | 29 |
| Vladimir Ivić | 2020-08-01 | 2020-12-21 | 142 |
| Xisco Muñoz | 2020-12-21 | 2021-10-03 | 286 |
| Claudio Ranieri | 2021-10-04 | 2022-01-24 | 112 |
| Roy Hodgson | 2022-01-25 | 2022-05-30 | 125 |
| Rob Edwards | 2022-07-01 | 2022-09-26 | 87 |
| Slaven Bilić | 2022-09-26 | 2023-03-07 | 162 |
| Chris Wilder | 2023-03-07 | 2023-05-10 | 64 |
| Valérien Ismaël | 2023-05-10 | 2024-03-10 | 305 |
| Tom Cleverley | 2024-03-11 | 2025-05-06 | 421 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s the favourite to be the next Watford manager?
As of May 2025, Alberto Garrido is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Tom Cleverley, with odds around 5/1 at BetVictor due to his current role at the club and internal support.
Who will be the next manager of Watford?
While the club hasn’t made an official appointment, leading contenders include Alberto Garrido, Gary O’Neil, and Rob Page. Betting markets and media speculation continue to shape the conversation.
Who would be the best manager for Watford?
The ideal choice depends on the club’s goals. Garrido offers continuity, O’Neil brings Premier League experience, and Page combines leadership and deep familiarity with the club’s culture.
Who is the longest-serving manager at Watford?
Graham Taylor remains Watford’s longest serving modern-era manager, with a four-year tenure from 1997 to 2001, and a legendary legacy from an earlier spell in the 1980s.
Which Watford manager has the best record?
Slaviša Jokanović and Xisco Muñoz both achieved notable success, with Jokanović securing Premier League promotion in 2015 and Muñoz boasting a 58.33% win rate.
How often do Watford change their manager?
Watford have averaged more than one managerial change per season over the past decade, underlining their reputation as one of English football’s most impatient clubs. In fact, they change managers more often than most players change their socks.