Watford are close to appointing former Crystal Palace and England manager Roy Hodgson as their new head coach, according to Fabrizio Romano. It is believed the 74-year-old will sign a short-term deal keeping him at Vicarage Road until the end of the season.
Roy Hodgson Close to Being Named as New Watford Manager
Premier League Experience
Watford are working to appoint Roy Hodgson as new head coach in the coming hours. Final details to be discussed in the morning – Hodgson's waiting for his Premier League comeback. 🟡 #WatfordFC
Two Italian managers were also in the list but Pozzo wants to go for Hodgson. pic.twitter.com/VWTrj5yOoL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2022
Watford only sacked Claudio Ranieri on Monday after just three months in charge but the Hornets’ hierarchy are close to finding a replacement.
According to Romano, two Italian managers were on the Pozzo family’s shortlist but appear to be edging closer towards a move for 74-year-old Hodgson.
During his four year tenure at Selhurst Park, Hodgson guided Palace to an 11th, 12th and two 14th placed top-flight finishes.
The veteran manager has plenty of Premier League experience having, taking charge of West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool and Fulham in recent years.
In addition to spells in England’s top tier, Hodgson has managed four different international teams and has success at various European clubs.
A Big Job on his Hands
Hodgson will be under no illusion of just how difficult a task he will face. The Hornets dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season following defeat against relegation rivals Norwich City last time out.
Not only that, but they are currently without a win in nine games in all competitions, losing eight, and have gone 30 top-flight games without a clean sheet.
The club also have disciplinary issues. Since the start of the 2016/17 season, the Hornets have picked up 18 red cards. Only Arsenal (19) have accumulated more in that time.
Time will tell whether or not Roy Hodgson is the right man to keep Watford in the Premier League but what is a guarantee is that the Pozzo family will be looking to make the move sooner rather than later.
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