The appointment of Tom Cleverley as Watford’s permanent head coach has drawn positive comments and praise from former teammates, many of the club’s current players and one or two celebrities as well.

Cleverley took to Instagram last night to post the following:

“Loanee, player, captain, academy coach, head coach. My journey with this great football club continues. I am very very proud and excited to be given the responsibility to take the club forwards.”

The post has already attracted more than 6,000 likes, and among the 330-plus comments are many from well-known names.

Former Watford striker Joao Pedro, who is set to play for Brighton against Manchester City this evening, was one of the first to reply, posting two ‘clapping hands’ emojis.

Current players such as Ryan Andrews, Jeremy Ngakia and captain Wes Hoedt also posted congratulatory emojis, as did former goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Danny Graham, one-time Watford striker and top scorer, replied with “buzzing mate good luck”, while another former teammate and forward, Andre Gray, commented “Congrats bro”.

 

Everton defender Ashley Young, who began his career with Watford, wrote “Big congrats Clevz. Fully deserved and all the best mate”.

His former Manchester United teammate, and current Republic of Ireland interim manager, John O’Shea posted “Yes Clevz, good luck”.

Another former United teammate Phil Jones wrote “Brilliant mate” while the former Republic of Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said “Best of luck”.

Cleverley’s former Red Devils teammate and former England defender Rio Ferdinand simply wrote “Go on”, while current England midfielder Jordan Henderson posted two clapping hands emojis and former England, Liverpool and Newcastle striker Andy Caroll said “Congratulations mate”.

Former Watford players such as Paul Robinson, William Troost-Ekong, Danny Webber, Ben Wilmot and Nathanial Chalobah also posted congratulatory messages and emojis.

Watford Observer: Cleverley's own Instagram postCleverley's own Instagram post (Image: Tom Cleverley/Instagram)

The former JLS singer J B Gill replied to Cleverley’s post with “Exciting future ahead” while former Watford matchday presenter and current Sky Sports reporter Emma Saunders wrote “Thoroughly deserved! Keep shining”.

Perhaps the most poignant reply came from Cleverley’s wife Georgina, who wrote “So proud and so deserved” followed by three red heart emojis.