Jokanovic appointed new Watford Head Coach

Ex Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic has been appointed as Head Coach at Watford FC, replacing Billy McKinlay with immediate effect. A former Yugoslavia and Serbia & Montenegro international, Jokanović brings extensive coaching experience to Vicarage Road. He led Partizan Belgrade to an unprecedented ‘double double’ in the Serbian League – the SuperLiga and Serbian Cup – two seasons in succession, 2007/08 and 2008/09. The ex-midfielder’s playing career spanned three countries, including La Liga in Spain and a two-year stint at Chelsea in the Premier League. Jokanović added to his coaching experiences after Belgrade with a title-winning spell in Thailand at Muangthong United in 2012-13, a campaign which saw the club remain unbeaten throughout. He has also served Levski Sofia, in Bulgaria’s A Group, and most recently Spanish club Hercules. Watford FC owner Gino Pozzo commented: “Our job is always to act in the best long-term interests of this football club. There can be no compromise on this – whatever the circumstances. “I fully support and endorse the view from our technical staff that, given the talented squad which has been assembled and our position in the league, an experienced head coach with a winning pedigree is of primary importance to help ensure the success we are all striving for.” “The supporters of Watford have always been very understanding towards our project here and I am certain they will continue to do everything they can to support the new coach and his squad.”