On Monday, Watford sacked Claudio Ranieri after just over three months in charge. 24 hours later, Roy Hodgson was appointed as the new Hornets boss.
Having left Crystal Palace at the end of last season, Hodgson has signed a short-term deal until the end of the current campaign.
The work has already begun 👊 pic.twitter.com/3fVW84Muay— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 25, 2022
The work has already begun 👊 pic.twitter.com/3fVW84Muay
But with the club languishing in nineteenth place in the Premier League table, can the veteran manager save Watford from relegation? Or are the Hornets doomed for the drop?
Well, it’s safe to say that Hodgson has his work cut out. He inherits a team that has taken just 14 points from a possible 60 this season.
Believe or not, the 74-year-old – who is now the oldest manager in Premier League history – is Watford’s third permanent manager this term.
Xisco Munoz lasted until October 3 before Ranieri took over, but the Italian only managed to win two of his 13 league games in charge – suffering ten defeats along the way.
Hodgson brings a ton of experience to Vicarage Road, having started his managerial career all the way back in 1976.
The pragmatic coach has managed clubs such as Inter Milan, Udinese, Fulham and Liverpool, as well as nations sides like Switzerland, Finland and England.
Most recently, he spent four years at Crystal Palace – steadying the ship at Selhurst Park while guiding the club to a series of solid mid-table finishes.
Having registered 54 wins, 38 draws and 70 losses in 162 games, he left the Eagles with a win percentage of 33.3%.
Although his record at Palace was nothing special, he made the most of limited resources and consistently got the team to punch above its weight.
It is no secret that Watford are in a real mess right now. For that reason, it could be argued that Hodgson is the perfect man for the job.
He may not be the most modern or forward-thinking manager, but he knows how to get the best out of his players.
Although Watford’s squad contains a handful of standout performers, they are by no means world-beaters. That’s why they find themselves in this situation.
But with Hodgson at the helm, Watford fans can begin to dream of avoiding relegation and staying in the Premier League for another season.