Tag Archives: Management Change

29th September 2014- Oscar Garcia steps down as Watford head coach and is replaced by Billy McKinlay

BBC Sport: Oscar Garcia has stepped down as Watford head coach because of ill health just 27 days into his tenure and has been replaced by Billy McKinlay.

The Guardian: García’s future had become the subject of scrutiny after he was taken to hospital with chest pains on 14 September. It was reported two days later the 41-year-old was still in hospital and in need of more rest. Watford have now confirmed in a statement on their website that, although García’s health was no longer a cause for concern, he needed more time to rest and felt it was best for the club for if he resigned.

Sky Sports: Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, former Dundee United and Blackburn midfielder McKinlay said: “It’s mixed emotions as obviously I was sorry to see Oscar go considering he was the one who offered me the job and appointed me.

Watford Observer: McKinlay joined the Hornets as first team coach on Friday and Oscar has revealed he helped decide the Scot was the right man to replace him as head coach.

Evening Standard, 30 Sep 2014

2nd September 2014- Oscar Garcia is appointed Watford head coach

BBC Sport: Watford have named former Brighton boss Oscar Garcia as their new head coach following Beppe Sannino’s resignation.

Watford Observer: The Golden Boys had been in talks with three candidates over the weekend but Garcia was their number one target.

The Guardian: A club statement read: “Watford Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Oscar Garcia as head coach, the Hornets having won the race against several high-profile English clubs to secure his services.

Evening Standard, 3 Sep 2014

31st August 2014- Beppe Sannino resigns as Watford head coach

BBC Sport: Watford head coach Beppe Sannino has resigned with the club in second place in the Championship standings.

The Guardian: Despite Watford’s fine start to the season, the 57-year-old Sannino said he had gone “as far as I can” in the job, having taken charge at Vicarage Road only last December.

Watford Observer: Beppe Sannino: I resigned for the benefit of myself and Watford

18th December 2013- Beppe Sannino appointed as Watford head coach

BBC Sport: Watford: Beppe Sannino named as head coach

Watford Observer: The Hornets have yet to confirm the length of his contract but a website in Italy is reporting he has signed a deal until the end of the season with the option of an extra year.

Evening Standard, 18 Dec 2013
Daily Telegraph, 19 Dec 2013

16th December 2013- Gianfranco Zola resigns as Watford head coach

BBC Sport: The 47-year-old Italian arrived at Vicarage Road in July 2012 and led them to the Championship play-off final last season, losing to Crystal Palace 1-0.

The Guardian: Gianfranco Zola made the decision to resign as manager of Watford on Monday “in the best interests of the team”.

Watford Observer: The club statement reads: “It is with great sadness that the board of Watford Football Club has accepted the resignation of head coach Gianfranco Zola.

Watford Observer: Reaction to Gianfranco Zola’s resignation as Watford head coach

Daily Telegraph, 17 Nov 2013
Evening Standard, 17 Dec 2013

7th July 2012- Gianfranco Zola is named Watford Head Coach

Although it wasn’t confirmed until the 7th it was widely reported beforehand that Zola would be our new Head Coach, although all the papers said his role would be manager, but he was never referred to as that by the club.

Evening Standard, 2 Jul 2012

Independent, 8 Jul 2012
Independent, 11 Jul 2012
Evening Standard, 11 Jul 2012