'Our efforts surrounding the team not good enough' - Watford bosses make joint statement

4 years ago 321

Watford players look dejected after defeat by Arsenal on Sunday

A 3-2 loss at Arsenal sent Watford down on the final day

The Watford hierarchy have said their "efforts surrounding the team were not good enough" following the Hornets' relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.

Watford's five-year top-flight stay ended after a 3-2 loss at Arsenal and Aston Villa's draw against West Ham.

In a chaotic campaign, the club had four different managers.

In a joint statement, owner Gino Pozzo and chief executive Scott Duxbury expressed "great disappointment".

Javier Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores were both dismissed after they managed one Premier League win in 14 matches between them.

But fortunes changed under Nigel Pearson and the former Leicester boss guided Watford out of the relegation zone with seven victories and 25 points from his 20 games in charge.

However, he was also sacked with just two matches remaining, with under-23s boss Hayden Mullins put in charge, but back-to-back defeats condemned the Hornets to the Championship next season.

Captain Troy Deeney said he does not know if he has played his last game for the club.

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Arsenal 3-2 Watford: Hornets haven't been good enough this season - Deeney

On Monday, Pozzo and Duxbury added: "Every club wants to be playing at the highest possible level.

"We have always said we are here for the long-term and we will not allow this one moment of great disappointment to stop the continued development of this club over the next eight years and beyond.

"That is not to detract from mistakes that were made surrounding the team this season. We have to be scrupulously honest with ourselves and admit our efforts surrounding the team were not good enough.

"There will be lessons learned and changes made but, from today, we move forward. We have to accept a different challenge."

Pozzo has 'run out of chips' - analysis

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"It [constantly changing managers] is strange policy and the way Pozzo goes about his business, even with Nigel Pearson, it is baffling. There is talk of interference from the top and I cannot for the life of me believe seven managers in five years can be good for the playing squad.

"I believe the owner is playing a dangerous game and has run out of chips with the sacking of Pearson and going down. It is going to be interesting to see what they do going forward.

"I don't believe him and it is a statement to placate. You hear rumours about the technical director and sporting director having influence in selection.

"It has been so unstable for Watford fans. This family has come in and turned everything upside down and now he is saying the "world keeps turning", I feel sad for the Watford fans."

Former Chelsea and England striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"The owner dictates everything and he needs to have a good look at himself. The decision over Pearson has been an emotional, impulsive decision. He has a history of doing this.

"Watford have never built with a manger, you would not put a family photo on your desk or buy a house in the area.

"Watford don't have managers, the owner totally runs the club."

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