With the end of the transfer window, attentions now turn to the second half of the Premier League season. The relegation battle is shaping up to be an incredibly tense and exciting race, with the bottom six clubs just separated by 10 points. Watford, who find themselves in 19th spot in the table, have a new man at the helm following the club’s decision to sack Claudio Ranieri.
Even by Watford’s standards, Ranieri’s stint at Watford was particularly short-lived, with the enigmatic Italian lasting just four months, winning just two games. Watford’s 3-0 home defeat to Norwich City was enough for Watford owner Gino Pozzo to make a change. Pozzo has turned to Roy Hodgson in a move that he hopes will be enough to keep the Hornets in the league. Hodgson has signed a short deal to the end of the season.
Hodgson, now 74, finds himself back in work following four successful seasons at Crystal Palace. Hodgson stepped away from the game last summer, but the lure of another top-flight job was too much for the experienced manager to resist. Hodgson did a fantastic job with the Eagles, regularly achieving respectable mid-table finishes, solidifying Crystal Palace as a Premier League mainstay. Pozzo will be hoping for similar results here.
Famed for his ability to organize and his excellent man-management skills, Hodgson is a coach who can bring immediate results. Although he is considered a defensive-minded coach, Hodgson lets his attacking players play and he should be able to get the most out of a talented attacking trio in Emmanuel Denis, Joshua King and Ismael Sarr.
Watford find themselves just two points from safety and have two games in hand on 17th place Norwich.
Watford will be hoping that Hodgson can get them off to the perfect start and start the springboard to safety.
