Watford announce former Bayern Munich star as new manager but fans all ask: ‘Will he last until pre-season?’

WATFORD have confirmed the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager.

The former Barnsley and West Brom boss replaces Chris Wilder in the Vicarage Road hotseat.

Ismael, 47, is the Hornets' SEVENTH manager of the last two years.

In this period, Watford have been managed Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri, Roy Hodgson, Rob Edwards, Slaven Bilic and Wilder.

Upon confirming their latest appointment, Hornets technical director Ben Manga told their official : "Being able to appoint a new coach so soon in May means we can prepare very well together for next season.

“To be able to welcome someone of Valerien’s experience to Watford is good news for our club. We are all looking forward to working with him.”

Former Bayern Munich defender Ismael began his senior managerial career in Germany with Nurnberg and Wolfsburg.

He later managed Apollon Smyrnis and LASK before landing the Barnsley job in 2020.

Ismael guided the Oakwell men into the Championship play-offs, before departing for West Brom.

He lasted just 31 games in charge of the Baggies, and was sacked in February 2022 following a four-match losing streak.

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The Frenchman then moved to Besiktas, where he managed Dele Alli, but was sacked in October after winning eight of his 19 matches in charge.

Upon Ismael's appointment, fans pondered how long Watford's latest boss will get at the helm.

One joked: "Will he last until pre season is the question."

While a second wrote: "Odds on him being sacked before the season starts."

Another joked: "Very clever to get him 3 months before our season starts to make him one of our longest serving managers. Respect."