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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Watford confirm Vladimir Ivic as new head coach

Watford have confirmed Vladimir Ivic as their new head coach following relegation from the Premier League.

The 43-year-old Serbian has signed a one-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months in the club's favour.

He replaces Nigel Pearson who left the club in July before the Hornets were relegated to the Championship.

"First of all, from the beginning I have a big expectation of myself and of my coaching staff," Ivic told the club's website.

"It's my first time in England and I need to adapt as fast as possible, to do the best for the club is very important to me.

"I've worked with my coaching staff for three years, so I know that we will ask the most from ourselves so we can help the players to achieve the club's goals."

A two-time league winner in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ivic also won the Greek Cup with PAOK. Ivic becomes Watford's fourth permanent manager in less than a year.

The Hornets were relegated from the Premier League in July having played under Javi Gracia, Quique Sanchez Flores and Pearson during the season with Hayden Mullins overseeing the final two games of the campaign.

They finished second from bottom to end a five-year stay in the top flight. They are due to start their Sky Bet Championship campaign on September 12.

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