Watford have quashed rumours about head coach Tom Cleverley's future, confirming he will lead the team in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash at Coventry.

Despite a 2-1 loss to Preston on Tuesday and a string of five defeats in eight league matches, Watford remain just a point shy of the play-offs and are keen to stress continuity at Vicarage Road.

A club statement clarified: "Watford FC confirms Tom will be in charge for the match at Coventry City and that the speculation over his position is just that – pure speculation."

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Former Aston Villa midfielder Cleverley, who became a fan favourite during his time as a player and captain at Watford, stepped up as manager after Valerien Ismael's exit in March 2024.

Cleverley spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Villa from Manchester United. He made 37 appearances for the club in all competitions and scored three goals.

Having started out at United, he also spent time on loan at Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic before joining Everton on a permanent deal. Cleverley later returned to Watford, where he spent the final six years of his career.

A Premier League winner at Old Trafford, he made nearly 400 senior club appearances and earned 13 caps for England. He also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Under the Pozzo family's ownership since 2012, Watford has seen a high turnover of managers, with Cleverley being the 19th appointment.