Watford have finally settled the managerial question, appointing Paulo Pezzolano in May 2025. But with the Hornets’ history of rapid managerial turnover, questions still swirl around who could be next if things don’t pan out at Vicarage Road.
This article dives into the latest next Watford manager odds, examining the key names linked to the job, the betting markets, and what the future might hold for the club under Pezzolano. Whether you’re looking to bet or just want to keep tabs on the Hornets’ ever-changing dugout, here’s everything you need to know.
Latest Bookies Odds For The Next Watford Manager
The betting market is already active despite Paulo Pezzolano’s recent appointment, reflecting the usual uncertainty surrounding the Watford managerial role. Here are the latest next Watford manager odds from leading UK bookmakers as of June 2025:
- Paulo Pezzolano (Current Manager) – 2/5
- Alberto Garrido (First Team Coach) – 5/1
- Diego Alonso (Uruguayan Tactician) – 7/1
- Steve Cooper (Former Nottingham Forest Boss) – 10/1
- Russell Martin (Southampton Manager) – 12/1
- Sean Dyche (Everton Manager) – 15/1
- Pimienta (Barcelona B Coach) – 20/1
- Wayne Rooney (Former England Captain) – 25/1
These odds show that while Pezzolano is firmly the favourite to remain in charge, bookmakers keep a close eye on the usual suspects who might step in should the Hornets decide to make a change. Punters should remember that Watford’s history of swift sackings means these odds could shift quickly based on results and boardroom decisions.
As always, anyone looking to place a bet on the next Watford manager should do so through licensed football betting sites in the UK, taking advantage of new customer offers like £5 free bets, but importantly, gamble responsibly. Full t&cs apply, and it’s wise to set deposit limits or use self-exclusion options if needed.
Why Was The Watford Job Vacant Before Pezzolano’s Appointment?
Before Pezzolano’s arrival, Watford endured another managerial upheaval. Tom Cleverley was sacked after a turbulent spell that failed to steer the club anywhere near the playoff places. Despite Cleverley’s strong connection to the Hornets, having been a former player and respected figure, the club’s ambitions under owner Gino Pozzo demanded more consistency and clearer style of play.
Cleverley’s departure marked yet another chapter in Watford’s revolving door of managers — a pattern that’s become almost synonymous with the club in recent years. Fans and punters alike knew the Watford job was one of the most volatile in English football, making any next Watford manager odds a hotbed for speculation.
Who Were The Favourites Before Pezzolano Took Over?
Leading the betting market prior to Pezzolano’s arrival was Alberto Garrido, who had stepped in as interim head coach. The Spanish coach impressed with his tactical discipline and was installed as the favourite for Hornets supporters and betting sites across the UK. His understanding of the club’s culture and flexibility made him a strong candidate for the permanent role.
Diego Alonso, the Uruguayan tactician, was another name regularly appearing in the next Watford manager odds. Alonso’s reputation for high-intensity, pressing football and his experience managing Sevilla and the Uruguay national team gave him a solid platform, but it wasn’t quite enough to secure the job.
Sean Dyche also lingered as a potential contender, with his pragmatic approach and Premier League experience. Despite odds fluctuating around 10/1, Dyche’s current commitment to Everton made a return to Vicarage Road unlikely but not impossible.
What Does Paulo Pezzolano Bring To The Hornets?
Pezzolano’s appointment in May 2025 brings a fresh, ambitious energy to Watford. The Uruguayan coach has been praised for his modern approach to football — a blend of high pressing, quick transitions, and encouraging attacking football. His time in South America and Europe has built a reputation as a manager who can both develop young talent and compete tactically.
His style contrasts with some of the more pragmatic approaches Watford have seen in recent years, offering hope to fans eager for stability and an exciting brand of football. His ability to adapt and manage under pressure will be crucial given Watford’s demanding environment and the Pozzo family’s high expectations.
Are There Still Favourites For The Next Watford Manager Spot?
Despite Pezzolano now being in charge, the betting markets are rarely static at Watford. Bookmakers always offer odds on potential future changes, particularly given the club’s history of rapid sackings. Names like Alberto Garrido remain in circulation as favourite alternatives, especially with Garrido’s ongoing link to the club as first team coach.
Other figures such as Steve Cooper and Russell Martin appear as outsiders in the betting odds. Cooper’s success in guiding Nottingham Forest to the Premier League and Martin’s progressive style at Southampton make them intriguing candidates should Watford decide to move on from Pezzolano at any point.
Could Diego Alonso Still Return To The Watford Hot Seat?
Alonso remains a popular name in the next Watford manager odds, especially among fans who favour a manager with international experience and a proven record of success in South America. His style suits the dynamic, attacking football Watford’s supporters crave, though his stint at Sevilla ended on a sour note.
Whether owner Gino Pozzo would gamble on Alonso again remains uncertain, but if Pezzolano’s tenure falters, Alonso would almost certainly be one of the first to get a second look.
Is Sean Dyche A Likely Returnee?
Sean Dyche’s pragmatic style and previous association with Watford keep his name lingering in the betting market. Known for his no-nonsense, resilient teams, Dyche could offer the defensive solidity Watford have sometimes lacked.
However, with Dyche still managing at Everton and Watford’s preference for managers who align with their more expansive ambitions, his return seems a distant possibility rather than a pressing threat.
What About Other Candidates Like Garrido, Pimienta And Rooney?
Alberto Garrido remains close to the heart of the club, working behind the scenes and holding strong favour among some Hornets fans. His appointment as interim coach demonstrated his potential, and many football betting sites in the UK keep him near the top of the betting lists as a favourite alternative.
Pimienta, with his coaching pedigree at Barcelona’s reserves and Las Palmas, also appears as a dark horse, offering tactical acumen and a youth development focus that might appeal to Watford’s long-term plans.
Wayne Rooney’s name occasionally surfaces, but with odds around 25/1, betting on him feels more like a headline grabber than a genuine contender. His managerial track record to date doesn’t quite fit the mould Watford seem to be aiming for.
How Do The Latest Betting Odds Reflect Watford’s Managerial Future?
Next Watford manager betting odds continue to reflect the unpredictability of the club’s managerial decisions. Pezzolano is the current incumbent and naturally favoured, but as always, bookmakers keep options open given the club’s track record.
Football betting sites offer a range of odds on possible successors, with Garrido and Alonso near the top of the list, followed by others like Steve Cooper and Russell Martin. These odds can shift quickly with any hint of poor results or boardroom unrest.
New customers can often find £5 free bets and enhanced odds promotions on these markets, but always remember to gamble responsibly, check t&cs apply, and use deposit limits or self-exclusion options as needed.
What Should Punters Remember When Betting On The Next Watford Manager?
Betting on the Watford managerial position is a rollercoaster. The Pozzo family’s hands-on ownership means change is frequent, and no manager is guaranteed a long stay. Punters should be wary, stay informed on the latest club news, and use only licensed gambling sites.
With Watford’s history of sackings and quick appointments, any bet carries risk, but it also offers opportunity for those who back the right name at the right time. Always stay in control and please gamble responsibly.
What Lies Ahead For Watford’s Managerial Story?
Paulo Pezzolano’s arrival at Watford in May 2025 marks a new chapter for the Hornets, bringing optimism for a steadier and more progressive era at Vicarage Road. His style promises to inject fresh life into the team and perhaps provide the stability fans have long craved.
However, given Watford’s notorious record for managerial changes, punters and supporters alike should remain cautious. The next Watford manager odds are as much about club dynamics as they are about the individuals themselves. Names like Garrido, Alonso, and Cooper will remain in the mix, ready to step forward if the situation demands.
For now, all eyes are on Pezzolano to see if he can break the cycle and deliver success in a notoriously tough managerial job. The Hornets’ journey is far from over, but the hope is that this time, Vicarage Road has found a leader for the future.
