‘94 per cent' of Watford fans disagree with Cleverley sacking
NINETY-FOUR per cent of fans think Watford were wrong to sack Tom Cleverley, according to a Watford Observer poll, as owner Gino Pozzo hit back at scathing criticism.
'Madness', 'embarrassing' and 'absolutely ridiculous' were among the more sanitary reactions in our various comments sections – giving a flavour of many fans' feelings after his 14 months in charge was brought to an end.
While plenty conceded Cleverley must shoulder some blame for a dismal 2025, the vast majority remained unequivocal that firing him was wrong. Even Watford's greatest ever player, Luther Blissett, branded it 'a total and utter farce'.
The club's official statement was packed with effusive language thanking Cleverley for his service. It has been a 'privilege' to work with him, they said, and he will 'always be part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so many years'.
But they added 'the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefitted from the experience of the Championship season'.
Within 24 hours of a Watford Observer poll launching, around 3,000 fans said WFC were wrong to sack Cleverley compared to 180 backing the club.
Plenty of fingers were pointed at the board with claims that not investing in quality players – particularly in January amid key injuries – was the major reason for Watford's form.
Gino Pozzo (Image: Alan Cozzi) Pozzo hit back today (May 7) saying 'we believe we have made the correct decision for the good of the football club. That is the basis for every decision we take.'
He added: "Tom is a bright young coach who has a real future in the game, but he needs time to gain experience and in football time is a precious commodity. I felt, to achieve our immediate aims next season, we need a more experienced coach to get the best out of our squad.
"Results and performances, certainly after Christmas, were those of a club in a relegation fight and we couldn't allow that momentum to continue into the next campaign.'
Responding to a WO survey, Hornets fan Nigel Kemp was one of many to say he thought Cleverley should have been given next season.
'Yes the results may not have been what we wanted, so Tom must take some of the blame, but when he wasn't given any strikers in January – plus the injuries – it mostly lays at the feet of the board,' he said.
Cleverley was 'doing the best he could with limited resources', added fellow fan Paul Baker, who claimed WFC having 20 head coaches since 2012 'makes the club a laughing stock'.
Pozzo said he has seen the reactions and 'accepts' it, adding: 'I realise there will be some fans who, no matter what we say, are not going to agree with us. This is normal; it's football and I respect that the game is all about strong opinions.'
Luther Blissett (Image: PA) Among the most damning reactions was that of club legend Luther Blissett, who voiced disappointment at 'the manner and the way it's been done'.
'Three days after the end of the season, when at the end of the last game Tom has walked around the pitch with his family,' Blissett told the Watford Observer's Andrew French.
'His family are emotionally invested in the club, just like he is. His little daughter was waving to the fans. That family connection is hopefully the lasting image the fans will have of him.'
Tom Cleverley (Image: PA) Cleverley signed off with an emotional statement referencing his connection with the players and fans as 'the achievement I'm most proud of', adding he 'wasn't born in Watford or raised in Watford but this honestly feels like home'.
The decision brings an end to his nine-and-a-half years at the club as a loanee, player, captain, academy coach and head coach.
"To maintain [the] league position and points after selling key players last summer is something we should be proud of, as well as reflecting on why we couldn't sustain our play-off challenge will be something we should all review,' he added.
"To the club I'm grateful for the opportunity, the players for their efforts, and the supporters myself and my family will forever appreciate the love and support you have given me on this journey.
"I repeat I will be sad that it's over, but full of happiness that it ever happened. And I hope it's not the final time our paths cross. You 'Orns."
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