Watford dismiss Chris Wilder sack speculation

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 April 2023

Watford move to officially dismiss speculation that suggested Chris Wilder - their third head coach of the season - is on the brink of leaving Vicarage Road.

Watford have moved to shut down "totally disrespectful" speculation regarding the future of head coach Chris Wilder.

The Hornets' current owners have a history of making constant changes in the dugout, often reacting to slumps in form by appointing a fresh face.

That has already occurred on two occasions this season, Rob Edwards lasting just 11 matches and Slaven Bilic reaching 26 games before being dismissed in March.

Wilder was brought in as the Croatian's replacement, tasked with trying to instigate an improved run of form to move Watford into the top six of the Championship table before the end of the season.

Instead, with five matches remaining, Watford find themselves six points below the playoffs with just five games left, realistically leaving the club in a position where they can ill-afford to drop any more points.

Watford's Imran Louza celebrates scoring their first goal with Jeremy Ngakia on March 14, 2023 © Reuters

Wilder has collected just five points from a possible 18 matches, his solitary win coming over Birmingham City, and Watford have gone four games with a victory.

As a result, talk emerged that the Pozzo family were ready to make yet another change in a desperate move to alter their fortunes over the next few weeks.

However, those rumours have brought about an angry response from the club, who feel that claims that they were considering another switch in direction was unjustified.

A club statement read: "The Hornets confirm Chris Wilder will remain the club's Head Coach until at least the end of the 2022-23 season, as per the terms he and Watford FC agreed upon his appointment in March."

Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder during the match on March 1, 2022 © Reuters

Technical director Ben Manga added: "The speculation is totally disrespectful to Chris and his staff.

"As Chris has said after recent games, we are all fully focused on ending the season strongly and pushing as hard as we can while there's still a chance of making the playoffs."

Watford are next in action when they play host to Bristol City on April 15, before they face another home game with Cardiff City three days later.

Trips to Hull City and Sunderland complete their away schedule, with Stoke City in line to be the final visitors to Vicarage Road on May 8.