Sunday, May 28, 2017

Yesterday, former Hull City football-club manager Marco Silva joined Watford as the head coach, penning a two-year-contract. Via their official website, Hull City announced Marco Silva had decided to leave the club on Thursday.

39-year-old Portuguese Silva succeeded Walter Mazzarri by the contract with Watford. Silva enjoyed a successful spell in Portugal and Greece before he came to England. Silva led Estoril to first division promotion in the Portuguese league before joining Sporting CP.

In 2014, Sporting CP won their first Portuguese Cup since 2008 under Silva’s management. In 2015–16, Silva won the Greek Super League with Olympiacos FC — the club’s 43rd league title. Olyampiacos defeated Arsenal in a Group Stage match at Arsenal’s home ground Emirates Stadium but, finishing third in the group table, they were sent to the Europa League. Arsenal defeated Olyampiacos in the away fixture 3–0 as the Gunners booked a spot in the Last 16 round.

Sliva managed Hull City for the last eighteen Premier League games last season, winning six of them, but could not save the club from relegation. Watford finished 17th in the Premier League table, one place above the relegation zone. On Thursday, Silva expressed his desire to leave Hull City. Along with the Portuguese, other Hull City staff including Assistant Head Coach Joao Pedro Sousa, First Team Coach Goncalo Pedro and Goalkeeping Coach Hugo Oliveira left the club.

After Silva signed the contract with Watford, Watford’s CEO Scott Duxbury said, “Marco was one of the most sought after Head Coaches in the Premier League. His pedigree and promise speaks for itself with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe, as well as his work at Hull City last season. We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a Head Coach of his profile and potential”.