Gianfranco Zola is set to be appointed Watford Manager after the shock sacking of Sean Dyche. The Pozzo family, who only completed their takeover last week, have reportedly made a “verbal agreement” with Zola to take over at Vicarage Road, but nothing has yet been confirmed.
The ambitious Italian owners are targeting promotion to the Premier League but will learn that it is much harder said that done, as Leicester City’s owners found out last season. They will now be in hot water with many supporters following the manner in which they have burst onto the scene and ruthlessly dismissed the credentials of the talented Dyche, who enjoyed a fine first season in charge, guiding Watford to a top-half finish on a small budget.
Dyche's imminent replacement, Zola, has been out of work since getting sacked by West Ham back in 2010, making the decision even more bizarre. Reports have emerged that the Italian will reportedly be joined by former Napoli coach Adolfo Sormani who will work as his assistant.
Watford start their 2012/13 Championship campaign with a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday 18th August, followed by games at home to Ipswich and Birmingham City. Paddy Power have handed the Hornets long odds of 33/1 to go on and win the league, while they have been priced at 10/1 to gain promotion to the top flight.
