Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Watford sack manager after Terriers defeat

- By STEVEN CHICKEN @examinerHT­AFC

WATFORD have sacked manager Vladimir Ivic following their 2-0 defeat to Town.

The Hornets announced the news late on Saturday evening, confirming reports that emerged within hours of the final whistle at the John Smith’s Stadium

Fraizer Campbell struck nine minutes into the Championsh­ip clash after Isaac Mbenza forced an error out of veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster, and an Etienne Capoue own goal followed later in the first half.

The visitors put Town under plenty of pressure as they looked to find their way back into the game but Carlos Corberan’s side were able to resist it, thanks in no small part to a brilliant performanc­e by goalkeeper Ryan Schofield.

A club statement said: “Watford FC confirms the departure of head coach Vladimir Ivic with immediate effect.

“Ivic’s coaching staff will also be leaving Vicarage Road.

“The Hornets thank Ivic and his staff for their efforts this season and wish them well for future success elsewhere.”

“No further comment is available from the club.”

Plenty of Watford fans questioned his decision to leave star striker Troy Deeney on the bench after dropping him from the starting line-up, with

Ivic explaining after the game: “He didn’t start because he played a lot of full games recently.

“I believe that he wasn’t ready to play from the beginning but the reason he wasn’t able to come on was a discipline issue.”

When asked if Deeney had a future at the club, Ivic added: “I don’t know, we will see. “It’s between us and I don’t want to speak about this. I’m the coach and I know what is my responsibi­lity.”

Watford were third going into the game, just three points away from the automatic promotion places, but are now down to fifth with the gap increasing to four points.

The Hornets are back in the Championsh­ip after a five-year stay in the Premier League during which time they have had six managers, including two stints in charge for Quique Sanchez Flores.

Watford confirms the departure of head coach Vladimir Ivic with immediate effect

 ??  ?? Jonathan Hogg greets Watford’s Troy Deeney at the final whistle; Right, celebratio­ns after a Town corner leads to a Watford own goal
Town players celebrate the opening goal scored by Fraizer Campbell following an error by Ben Foster PHOTOS:RICH LINLEY/
CAMERASPOR­T
Jonathan Hogg greets Watford’s Troy Deeney at the final whistle; Right, celebratio­ns after a Town corner leads to a Watford own goal Town players celebrate the opening goal scored by Fraizer Campbell following an error by Ben Foster PHOTOS:RICH LINLEY/ CAMERASPOR­T
 ??  ?? Vladimir Ivic
Vladimir Ivic

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