Sannino resigns as Watford Head Coach.
Italian Beppe Sannino is no longer Watford head coach, after the 57 year old resigned from his position last night. The Hornets 4-2 victory over Huddersfield at Vicarage Road on Saturday was to be Sannino’s last match as head coach, after Watford confirmed at 8:15 pm last night that he had resigned from his position.
After Lloyd Dyer’s celebration after he scored against Rotherham, where he seemed to swear at Sannino, reports had stated that a number of first team players were unhappy with the Italian’s training methods and managerial style and that it was only a matter of time before the 57 year old left Vicarage Road. After the 4-1 victory over Leeds United last weekend, reports still believed that the Italian would be gone in a matter of days. However, he remained in charge in the Capital One Cup defeat to Doncaster where Lewis McGugan walked straight down the tunnel in frustration after being substituted. On Saturday, the Italian over saw the Hornets 4-2 victory before tendering his resignation yesterday evening.
The Italian took over as the Golden Boy’s head coach in December 2013 after Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola resigned after the Hornets went on a 9 game winless run.
Sannino’ first match as head coach came on the 21st December 2013, where the Hornets 1-1 away draw with Ipswich. Ultimately, in his first season in charge, the Italian stopped the Golden Boys slide with Watford’s home form dramatically improving. However, the Hornets away form went down hill with the club only winning one away game during the second half of the 2013/14 season and the club also lost there final four matches of the season, meaning that they finished in a disappointing 13th position in the Sky Bet Championship. .
However, this season, Watford have started off well with the Hornets winning 4 out of 5 so far.
Sannino’s job would be safe if we were only looking at results, but with the Hornets squad upset with the Italian’s style something had to happen and the Italian has now resigned from his position.
The Italian made Vicarage Road a fortress during his time at the club, with the Golden Boys loosing three matches in all competitions under the Italian’s tenure, with the Hornets winning 12. However, the Golden Boys away form had a lot to be desired under the Italian.
Whilst he divided opinion among fans, Sannion has helped the Golden Boys get off to a flying start to the season, with Watford winning four out of the first five matches.
Sannino can be proud with what he has achieved with the Hornets but ultimately, the unrest among the squad has cost him his job.
In a statement on the Watford FC website, Sannino said: "I'm proud of what we have achieved and I have no doubt that the squad now, who look very much like men who know exactly what they must do, are very capable of getting promotion from this tough Championship league."
"I know I have given everything to Watford; I have given my heart and soul to the job and I have been happy to do this because of the wonderful support I have received from everyone - and most of all the fans, who are truly amazing.
"However I feel I have gone as far as I can so, for the benefit of me and the club, I feel the time is right for me to move on.
Former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia, is one of three men believed to be in talks with the Golden Boys regarding the vacant position according to the Watford Observer.
Thanks to Beppe for all he has done at Watford FC during his eight months at the club and I wish him the very best for the future.