Happy Xisco turns to Troy

XISCO MUNOZ has promised to restore a smile to Watford’s faces – and to lean on club “legend” Troy Deeney as his main man in the dressing room.

Former Valencia winger Munoz became the third Spaniard in 16 months to take charge at Vicarage Road, after Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores, when he replaced the sacked Vladimir Ivic.

Introducing himself to the media on Zoom, the Hornets’ 13th head coach in eight- and- a- half years smiled more than Ivic had managed in four months.

Instead of laying down the law to Deeney, who has outlasted the previous 12 managers, Munoz will forge an alliance with the long- serving club captain.

Deeney was wrongly perceived as an agitator who wielded too much player power.

After just two training sessions, Munoz said of Deeney: “What I can say is that he is a big man, he is a special man, he is the reference point for this club, he is a legend.

“My relationship with him is perfect and I will need his help in the dressing room because he is the most important person. I know he will give me his best.”

Deeney revealed Ivic had banned mobile phones from the dressing room but Munoz ( right) will adopt a more relaxed approach. He said: “It doesn’t matter too much. Sometimes the players need to stay in touch and communication is important.”

The average shelf life of Watford bosses under Gino Pozzo’s ownership has been eight months, and Munoz joked: “I’m sure I’ll stay here for at least two months!”