TOM Cleverley says restoring passion and intensity to the lackluster Hornets is his first priority after taking charge at Vicarage Road until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old replaced Valerien Ismael, right, who was sacked after a run of six defeats from eight games left the one-time play-off hopefuls stuck in mid-table.
Recent performances have been notable for a lack of urgency, with stats showing a sharp decline in both pressing actions and high-intensity sprints.
And whilst Cleverley admits the top six is long gone, he is determined to give disillusioned supporters - who have not seen their side win a league game on home turf since November - a team they can get behind.
“That’s very important to me, probably the No.1 priority,” says the former Manchester United and England midfielder.
“That’s how I played - passionate, high energy, high effort. If you control the controllables as a player then you won’t go far wrong and that will be one of the key principles in my team.
This story is from the March 17, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 17, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DION'S DOUBLE PUTS WANDERERS ON TOP
DION Charles helped give Bolton “a deserved lead”, according to manager Ian Evatt, as he scored twice in Wanderers’ victory at Barnsley.
ICTURE: Alumy Moore secures U's a slender lead
OXFORD United drew first blood in their play-off semi-final by taking a narrow advantage to London Road for the second leg on Wednesday.
GILLS IN HUNT FOR GAFFER AS CLEM DEPARTS
GILLINGHAM intend to appoint a new manager ‘as quickly as possible’ after calling time on Stephen Clemence’s short reign.
'I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!'
OUR years after Hudderssteering field to Championship safety, Danny Cowley is celebrating another great escape at Colchester.
TASTY LATTE LATH BAGS TOP PRIZE
MIDDLESBROUGH striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has put the seal on an impressive end to the season by being named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
FIVE-STAR MILLERS BOW OUT ON A HIGH
ROTHERHAM United boss Steve Evans says he is hopeful for the future after his side signed off from the Championship with a shock win against Cardiff City.
CHAIR LIFTS HOOPS WITH SUPER STRIKE
QUEENS Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes wanted his players to give their supporters one more victory to cheer – and Ilias Chair’s super strike set them on their way.
NEIL WON'T BE RUSHED OVER HIS LIONS STAY
NEIL Harris insists he will not be swayed on committing to being at Millwall beyond next season after masterminding the Lions’ successful fight to stay in the Championship.
Rohl's joy at Owls' great escape…..
DANNY Rohl was as proud as punch at his Sheffield Wednesday side’s achievement after victory over Sunderland confirmed the club’s survival.
CARRICK: LATTE LATH CAN SPUR BORO ON
MICHAEL Carrick believes Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath can carry his fine goalscoring form into next season.