Watford close in on appointment of 24th manager under the Pozzo ownership

Watford are in advanced talks to make Niels Frederiksen their new boss, talkSPORT understands.

Danish manager Frederiksen is leaving Lech Poznan after winning back-to-back Polish league titles.

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His contract with the club expires this summer following two years in charge.

The 55-year-old also won a Danish title during his time in charge of Brondby before joining Lech in 2024.

Watford are currently without a manager after sacking Ed Still earlier this month.

The Hornets parted ways with their former boss less than 24 hours after their final Championship match of the season.

Still’s tenure lasted just three months having replaced Javi Gracia in February to become their third manager of the campaign.

Watford finished in 16th in the Championship this term, extending their stay in the second-tier into a fifth season.

The club are now set to appoint their 24th manager since owner Gino Pozzo bought the club in 2012.

During the Italian’s tenure, the Hornets have twice been promoted to the Premier League as well as reaching the FA Cup final.

However, they have not played in the top-flight since their most recent relegation four years ago.

Who is Niels Frederiksen?

Frederiksen began his managerial career with Lyngby in his native Denmark back in 2009.

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He had previously spent three years in charge of the club’s Under-19 side before being promoted to first-team boss.

Following four years as Lyngby manager, Frederiksen joined Esbjerg, where he guided the club to the last 32 of the Europa League.

After leaving Esbjerg in 2015, he spent four years in charge of the Danish U21 side.

During that time, Frederiksen oversaw back-to-back qualifications for the U21 Euros.

However, Denmark exited the tournament in the group stage on both occasions.

His work with the national team set-up saw Frederiksen appointed as Brondby manager in 2019.

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He subsequently ended the club’s wait for a title by winning the league for the first time in 16 years in his second season in charge.

Frederiksen has maintained that success in Poland, winning the title in each of his two seasons with Lech.