Watford have sacked head coach Valerien Ismael following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Coventry.

The Hornets were beaten 2-1 by the Sky Blues to leave them 13th in the Sky Bet Championship, well adrift of the play-off places and seven points above the relegation zone.

Ex-Barnsley and West Brom boss Ismael had been appointed to the job at Vicarage Road in May and signed a contract extension in October, but he has paid the price for a poor run of form.

Tom Cleverley has been placed in interim charge.

Watford sacked head coach Valerien Ismael following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Coventry

Former Man United star Tom Cleverley (above) has been named as interim boss 

The former Manchester United and England midfielder retired from playing last summer after six seasons with Watford and took up a role on the club’s coaching staff. 

A statement from the club on Saturday evening read: ‘Tom Cleverley will assume the position of interim head coach at Vicarage Road.

‘This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valerien Ismael after today’s home defeat to Coventry City.

‘The Hornets thank Valerien and his staff for their dedication and commitment. However, the club’s board considers it an appropriate time to make a change in order to improve results.

‘Tom Cleverley’s staff will be confirmed in due course.’

Cleverley started his career at Man United aged 11 in 2000 – and went on to play 79 times for the Red Devils, scoring five times and winning the 2012-13 Premier League during his time at the club.

Cleverley played 79 times for Man United after starting his career at Old Trafford – winning the Premier League during his time at the club

He was loaned out several times after struggling to get into the team at Old Trafford – including spells at Leicester, Watford, Wigan and Aston Villa before securing a permanent exit to Everton. 

He would make 42 outings for the Toffees before seeing out his career with the Hornets, featuring 146 times and scoring eight and announcing his retirement last summer aged 33 due to injuries. 

‘Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player,” the 33-year-old wrote on Instagram. ”The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury. Unfortunately my body has failed me and just hasn’t got the capacity to perform anymore.

”I haven’t done much reflection just yet, but I’m trying to focus on a positive future and I’m excited about what that’s going to bring. I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England.”