Football Season Review

Watford went straight back up as expected but not without a season that initially showed their difficulties. Under new manager Vladimir Ivic, Watford were far too defensive and lacked a serious goal threat. The Serbian was eventually sacked in December with team spirit not particularly high. They appointed Xisco Munoz, the Spaniard, in his place, a rather left-field choice. But Xisco got Watford playing far more attacking football and promotion was not in doubt for long periods of the campaign. Their home form was superb, the best record in the Championship, and their away record slowly improved after an initially disappointing time of it on the road. Additionally they conceded very few goals, again a divisional record for the campaign, helped by William Troost-Ekong and Francisco Sierralta developing a decent partnership under Xisco. Watford lost Troy Deeney with three months to go due to an Achilles problem but that probably helped them as they could play a new style. The Hornets were very lucky to keep some of their top talent with Ismaila Sarr proving he was way too good for the Championship. Watford can expect to be in a good position to survive in the top flight, even without any additional signings.

Player of the Season: Ismaila Sarr