As a 27-year-old footballer with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton on your CV, as well as a number of England caps, you’re presented with three options for your next move.

That was the situation facing Tom Cleverley in 2017, and that he chose to return to Vicarage Road may be surprising when you consider his alternatives.

“I had offers from Celtic, Newcastle and Watford when I was leaving Everton, and Watford was the one I chose because of that first season on loan as a young lad in 2009,” he recalled.

“The reason I came back here in 2017 was because it was Watford.

“I got to spend six or seven more years here since then, and I’m hoping there’s many more to come.”

Indeed, his first season at Vicarage Road as a fresh-faced 19-year-old in 2009 is one he remembers with particular fondness.

He made 35 appearances, scored 11 goals and ended up winning the Player of the Season award.

“I’m sorry to any Man United fans when I say this, but that season on loan at Watford was my most enjoyable, and one of my best,” he said.

“Moving away from home for the first time, living on my own, being part of a great group of lads who were having fun.

“We were working hard, and probably playing a bit harder!

“I was so settled from the start and I had a lot of love from the fans.

“That helped me play some of the best football in my career, and I still remember that day at the City Ground when I scored on my debut. With my Dad being a Forest fan that was nice!

“And now here we are 15 years later and the tables have turned a lot.”

With his well-publicised injury problems that led to his retirement from playing last season, Cleverley has experienced the darker side of life as a professional footballer as well.

He played the first three games of last season, was then out injured until February before playing the last 19 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Vicarage Road.

The next game, away to Burnley, Cleverley was named in the team, got injured in the warm-up and never played again.

I remember talking to him in the days after that night at Burnley, and although he was far from negative it was easy to tell he was feeling down.

He has emerged the other side and says working with the Under-18s this season – and now the first team – has put the spring back in his step.

“Becoming a coach in the Academy has given me my mojo back for football.

“Over the last three or four years, talking personally, when you’re constantly fighting your body you lose some love for the game.

“The coaching has really given me a drive again, and renewed motivation.

“I am loving what I’m doing.

“Yes, I’ve not had much sleep. Yes, I’m here 14 hours a day but when you love something then it doesn’t feel like work.”

Watford Observer: A fresh-faced Tom Cleverley during his first loan spell at Watford in 2009.A fresh-faced Tom Cleverley during his first loan spell at Watford in 2009. (Image: Action Images)

First coaching job, first time leading the first team – and when they head off from London Colney for the trip to Birmingham, there will be another first for Cleverley.

He’ll be sitting at the front of the team bus!

“When I did it with the Under-18s it was strange enough, and that was probably one of the strangest things I’ve done up until now.

“I’ll be in the front seat when the bus pulls out of the training ground, and it’s one of many things that will be firsts for me.

“Saturday will be the first time I’ve managed a team in a pretty full stadium.

“The preparation we’ve done to make sure everything runs smoothly and nothing comes as a shock has been so in depth.

“I’m sure that will mean we can take everything in our stride.”

One thing we won’t see in the dug-out is strides, though – Cleverley will not be a suited coach, or one who wears casual garb.

“No, tracksuit. Definitely,” he said with a smile.