Interim head coach Tom Cleverley says he has set himself and his players two targets as they head into the final nine games of the season.

Having been given the role on Saturday night after the dismissal of Valerien Ismael, the former Hornets Player of the Season has an immediate goal and one that stretches a little further.

“I’ve set myself two targets, and then told the lads that our aim is to win the next game and then make sure that the players, fans, staff go away in the summer looking forward to next season,” he said.

“I’m confident in what I do, and I feel like my experiences through my career have really equipped me for this challenge, and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t dream of taking this job on permanently.

“I will 100% do everything I can, but first things first – we want to win on Saturday.”

Cleverley spent the bulk of his playing career at Vicarage Road, and very much sees Watford as ‘his club’.

“It’s a club that means a hell of a lot to me, and to be interim manager and leading the club forward for the short-term future is a really proud moment for me and my family,” he said.

“Everyone around the place knows how passionate I am about the club being successful and I’ll give everything I can to the job.

“I took the job with open arms, and had a really productive meeting with the owner and the chairman on Sunday.

“I came here when I was 19/20 years old, as a loanee, I returned midway through my career, became captain, finished my playing career here, became the Under-18s coach and now I’m sat in the hot seat.

“It really does feel like I’ve gone through all the stages of my life at this club.”

There have been words of encouragement from all over the place, though not – so far – from his first manager at Manchester United.

“I’ve had mainly calls from other youth teams coaches,” he said.

“I’ve a had a lot of texts off previous managers I’ve played for, including Chris Wilder and Rob Edwards.

“I’ve not heard from Sir Alex yet . . . but it’s Cheltenham week!

“When I got the Under-18s job I spoke to him on the phone, and he always remembers his ex-players and is keen to give advice.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he called me in the next week or so.”

A player himself just last season, Cleverley knows many of the current squad very well.

“I think that’s where I’ve got a head-start because I know a lot of the players personally, and it’s made the transition a little bit easier.

“For seven years I felt like I was a respectful teammate, so they know what kind of person I am.

“I addressed the fact that I’m still Tom or Clevs, I’m not gaffer – not yet anyway! But we cleared that one up.

“Having a relationship already with the board, the players, the staff, and the wider staff, has meant it’s all been very smooth and allowed me to focus on my job.

“I don’t think I’ve changed, I’ve got no ego, I’m hard-working and passionate. That was me as a player and that’s what you’ll see from me as a coach.

“As things stand, I’ll go back to being Clevs the Under-18 coach at the end of the season.”

A popular figure with the Hornets fans, Cleverley said he was very grateful for the reaction from supporters.

“I’ve felt the support from the fans this week, and from within the club too.

“I appreciate that support, and I know they are positive now but that can also change in the future.

“Something I learned from my playing career was not to read stuff too much, but right now I really do feel and appreciate the support.”

As well as the lift the fans have given him, Cleverley said he has spent this week consciously aiming to boost everyone at London Colney.

“I’ve tried to come and be high-energy myself, be positive, and lift the environment a little bit – and that’s said with no disrespect to the previous manager, but it comes naturally with poor results.

“I’m just aiming to give everyone a bit of a boost.”

In terms of team news for the trip to St Andrews, Cleverley will be without suspended skipper Wes Hoedt whose run of playing every minute of every game this season comes to an end with a two-match suspension.

"I've got cover in that position with Sierralta, Pollock and Porteous, but obviously Wes is a miss," said Cleverley.

"You'd love to have another left-footer to put in there, but as I am quickly finding out as interim head coach, there are problems on a daily basis and you have find solutions.

"If that is having a right-footed centre-half playing on the left then we adapt. We find solutions, not make excuses."

Jeremy Ngakia is ruled out, as is Giorgi Chakvetadze, although the news on the latter is more positive than was feared.

"It was better news than we expected with Giorgi, especially having seen him leave the ground in a protective boot on Saturday," said Cleverley.

"The scan result was positive and we will hopefully have him back soon.

"Ken Sema is a big doubt. He tried training this week but is a big doubt."