Football Season Guide

Watford will really feel they do not deserve to be in the Championship. But a late season slump last term sent them down as they strangely sacked Nigel Pearson two games before the end. They have now brought in Vladimir Ivić as new manager and he is rather unknown in English football, and especially Championship, circles. It seems to be a rather rash appointment but Watford have a habit of hiring and firing managers and, if they start poorly, he is likely to be dismissed. Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to depart for Everton and much could depend on whether Watford could hold on to captain Troy Deeney, forever a huge influence on the club over the last few seasons. Signings have been slow so far although Glenn Murray offers useful experience at this level in attack. You sense more signings are necessary though as there is a rather shortage of players used to the agricultural nature of Championship football.