Marco Silva has been appointed manager of Watford FC, the club have confirmed.
The Hornets have continued their somewhat unusual strategy of changing managers every year, by ending their employment of Walter Mazzarri. Since Gianfranco Zola left the club in December 2013, no manager has held the job for more than twelve months.
Marco Silva is the new manager of Watford FC
Silva arrives at Watford after his unsuccessful bid to keep Hull City in the Premier League. However, most analysts believe that the 39-year old has done a good job with the Tigers nonetheless.
His new contract is set for a duration of two years. The previous managerial successes of the Portuguese manager comprise of winning the league title in Greece with Olympiacos in 2016. He also led them to a victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, in the Champions League that season. Prior to that, he won the Portuguese Cup with Sporting Lisbon in 2015.
The official website of Watford FC quotes chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury: “Marco was one of the most sought after head coaches in the Premier League.
“His pedigree and promise speaks for itself with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe, as well as his work at Hull City last season.”
“We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a Head Coach of his profile and potential,” he added.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Watford fan, and I’m sure all supporters will join me in offering Marco and his family the warmest of welcomes to Vicarage Road.”
Watford finished the season in 17th place, six points above the relegation zone. Whether that result should be considered a success is open to debate. But after the sacking of Mazzari, it is to be expected that the club will demand more of Silva than to merely secure Premier League survival next season. How much more remains to be seen.
Main Photo: HULL, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Marco Silva (C) manager of Hull City reacts with his players after the Premier League match between Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur at KC Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
