Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe
WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.
Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.
Incredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets' 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.
Cleverley's axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.
But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.
The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
Cleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.
However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.
The ex-midfielder's only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.
He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.
Most read in Championship
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Valladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points - meaning relegation.
Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.
Watford's sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.
“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.
“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players.
"We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge."
Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.
"And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.”