Watford's head of academy Nick Cox set to leave Vicarage Road

Nick Cox (left) is leaving Watford after 11 years at the club. Picture: Holly Cant Nick Cox (left) is leaving Watford after 11 years at the club. Picture: Holly Cant

Watford's head of academy Nick Cox is set to leave the club at the end of this month.

Cox has been with the club for 11 years and was promoted to head of academy two years ago.

Current assistant academy manager Chris McGuane will take over following Cox's departure.

"Working at Watford is the perfect football upbringing," Cox told the club website.

"I’m very proud of my time at the club and particularly the role I played in creating and developing The Harefield Academy partnership, something which is still unique in English football."

"Watford has always been a fantastic place for young players to develop – and that will continue to be the case, I have no doubt," he added.

"I’m leaving behind an excellent group of staff. With Chris (McGuane) stepping into the role, the Academy is in very capable hands.

"You won’t find people better at serving young people anywhere, and I thank them for their unswerving support during my time serving the club," explained Cox.

"The new ownership team have been very supportive of the Academy during the brief time I’ve worked with them. They have recently made it clear that its future will be safe-guarded and developed, and that is just as it should be at a club like Watford."

Watford's technical director Gian Luca Nani said: "I am very sorry to see Nick go but I fully respect his decision – just as I fully respect all of his achievements with the Watford Academy.

"As I said at the Fans' Forum recently, it is an amazing set-up. You only have to look at the current first-team squad to see how highly the Academy here is thought of.

"Of course we wish Nick every success and we are sure Chris will do just as fantastic a job going forward.

"We carried out an extensive search and interview process to replace Nick and Chris was the outstanding candidate.

"We are delighted to make an internal appointment, similar to how Nick rose through the ranks, which will provide continuity and build on the excellent work already done at the Academy."

Comments(32)

Harrydownunder says...
12:46pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Doesn't say he has been let go, pushed, or been poached....

What is actually happening??

You don't just quit a job after 11 years.

Harrydownunder says...
12:46pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Doesn't say he has been let go, pushed, or been poached....

What is actually happening??

You don't just quit a job after 11 years.

jasonwatford says...
12:57pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Nick is going to Sheffield Utd i believe.

SAHornet says...
1:09pm Mon 19 Nov 12

On a different thread, has anyone noticed how that vile sports news pop-up thingy has disappeared? My computer doesn't crash Flash Player anymore as it used to do nearly every bloody time I logged on to the WO website. 'bout time!

goldentrue says...
1:14pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Harrydownunder wrote:
Doesn't say he has been let go, pushed, or been poached....

What is actually happening??

You don't just quit a job after 11 years.
"I am very sorry to see Nick go but I fully respect his decision – just as I fully respect all of his achievements with the Watford Academy."

Wording does not indicate he was pushed or let go. Looks like it was his own decision. people move on in all jobs in life

The Rover says...
1:21pm Mon 19 Nov 12

SAHornet wrote:
On a different thread, has anyone noticed how that vile sports news pop-up thingy has disappeared? My computer doesn't crash Flash Player anymore as it used to do nearly every bloody time I logged on to the WO website. 'bout time!
Yes. Much better now. Has made the site more responsive.

miked2006 says...
1:25pm Mon 19 Nov 12

This is a bit confusing. I do not understand why he would be leaving this post at such an exciting time.

He does not seem like he was pushed; otherwise I am sure we would have a fancy Italian replacement. I guess he just needed a new start, in a new place with potentially more money.

rousman 2 says...
1:35pm Mon 19 Nov 12

The Rover wrote:
SAHornet wrote: On a different thread, has anyone noticed how that vile sports news pop-up thingy has disappeared? My computer doesn't crash Flash Player anymore as it used to do nearly every bloody time I logged on to the WO website. 'bout time!
Yes. Much better now. Has made the site more responsive.
Agee 100%

Hampshire hornet says...
3:23pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Thank You Mr Cox for the 11 years loyal service, best of luck in your new venture.
onwards and upwards .. Exciting times for us..
What is great is that someone will be promoted to fill the vacancy, this happens all the time in be real World...

SAHornet says...
4:43pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Hampshire hornet wrote:
Thank You Mr Cox for the 11 years loyal service, best of luck in your new venture.
onwards and upwards .. Exciting times for us..
What is great is that someone will be promoted to fill the vacancy, this happens all the time in be real World...
I reckon that's because we've got real world peeps running the club now, without their own agenda's like stripping as much dosh as poss out of the club before the roof falls in. I know it's been said 100's of time before in the past few months but "thank god for Dux, Nani, The Pozzo's and King Frankie"

SAHornet says...
4:45pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Oh and one other thing about those beedin' pop-ups, I can now post get a comment accepted without having to reload the web page 2 or 3 times. Please WO, don't bring it back or anything similar. Cheers.

Goldenboy1960 says...
5:24pm Mon 19 Nov 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Nick is going to Sheffield Utd i believe.
Yes joining John Stephenson at Sheff U to pen push.

grahamwfc says...
6:42pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Good luck Nick; was always impressed with your contributions at Fans Forums.
Cat 1 acadamy status was a wish that didn't happen so maybe that is the reason & the club didn't share his ambition.
Not saying the clubs decision was wrong BTW

Hampshire hornet says...
7:10pm Mon 19 Nov 12

SAH you on twitter? If not why not! Join the lve in on there...

Bringe says...
7:20pm Mon 19 Nov 12

He reached the top of this particular ladder which testimony in itself and Nani makes it clear he wasn't pushed. League 1 or not Sheff Utd is a big club and they obviously can promise bigger things I'm sure it won't just be financial.

Bringe says...
7:20pm Mon 19 Nov 12

be*

Bringe says...
7:22pm Mon 19 Nov 12

lol these painkillers muffle my brain ... damned toothache!

Summer breeze says...
7:45pm Mon 19 Nov 12

I am sad to see him go, but wish him luck. Now as usual, onwards and upwards.

SAHornet says...
8:14pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Hampshire hornet wrote:
SAH you on twitter? If not why not! Join the lve in on there...
Nope, not on twatter. tried it once cos LD said I should but didn't understand it or how to make it work so fooked it orf. I'm a happier 'orn without it but ta anyways.

Holly68 says...
8:50pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Cox leaves Academy to (rumour) join Winter & Stephenson at Sheff Utd.

Stephenson only joined Sheff Utd recently (after leaving Watford to join the Brighton revolution which lasted all of 5 minutes as its alleged he didn't get on with Poyet). Its rumoured he is restructuring the Academy set up at Sheff U and splitting the coaching and admin roles seperately, with Cox favourite for non coaching role.

For Cox, after 11 years at same club, most people would look to move on, maybe he was disappointed about Watford being Cat 3 and not Cat 1 Academy, however Sheff U are Cat 2.

So for him, a "bigger fan base" club (albeit in division below but expect promotion), a bigger salary (maybe), Cat 2, change of scenery, with people he knows previously !!

Or has Ross Wilson at Huddersfield or even Dyche at Burnley come in with a late offer to scupper Sheff U .... All miles away and T'up North, need more coats for sure to keep warm. I doubt he would be going to Cardiff !

Of all the 11 years, strangest time to want to leave Watford, maybe after the Cat 3 was announced, he had a "dip into the job market" alerting his previous colleagues, maybe over time he may regret not staying.

I hear that the assistant Academy Manager is taking over the Head Role, Nani states he was the outstanding candidate, clearly the money is being invested in 5 year deals for our top youngsters and to attract youngsters of the calibre of Panos Armenakas and not on a conveyor belt of coaches etc ....

Let's hope the new Academy Head does very well, as a fan I hope we continue to prosper and develop some top players that can maintain Championship or Premiership status, not too many have achieved that out the "52", most start promising but end up in league two or non league

Holly68 says...
8:55pm Mon 19 Nov 12

On the subject of coaching and training, interesting to hear Blackpool player stating that Holloway had almost given up last few months, and was giving them 2/3/5 days off at a time, sounds like Ollie was "dipping in the job market" long before for himself.

Shame we didn't play Blackpool couple of weeks ago as it sounds like the new manager has got them training hard !

Holly68 says...
9:18pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Holly68 wrote:
Cox leaves Academy to (rumour) join Winter & Stephenson at Sheff Utd.

Stephenson only joined Sheff Utd recently (after leaving Watford to join the Brighton revolution which lasted all of 5 minutes as its alleged he didn't get on with Poyet). Its rumoured he is restructuring the Academy set up at Sheff U and splitting the coaching and admin roles seperately, with Cox favourite for non coaching role.

For Cox, after 11 years at same club, most people would look to move on, maybe he was disappointed about Watford being Cat 3 and not Cat 1 Academy, however Sheff U are Cat 2.

So for him, a "bigger fan base" club (albeit in division below but expect promotion), a bigger salary (maybe), Cat 2, change of scenery, with people he knows previously !!

Or has Ross Wilson at Huddersfield or even Dyche at Burnley come in with a late offer to scupper Sheff U .... All miles away and T'up North, need more coats for sure to keep warm. I doubt he would be going to Cardiff !

Of all the 11 years, strangest time to want to leave Watford, maybe after the Cat 3 was announced, he had a "dip into the job market" alerting his previous colleagues, maybe over time he may regret not staying.

I hear that the assistant Academy Manager is taking over the Head Role, Nani states he was the outstanding candidate, clearly the money is being invested in 5 year deals for our top youngsters and to attract youngsters of the calibre of Panos Armenakas and not on a conveyor belt of coaches etc ....

Let's hope the new Academy Head does very well, as a fan I hope we continue to prosper and develop some top players that can maintain Championship or Premiership status, not too many have achieved that out the "52", most start promising but end up in league two or non league
It just shows how positive fans are now, a few weeks back, this news would've been the end of the world to some, however due to the excellent Fans Forum and form on the pitch, even the then negative fans are seeing the light of the brighter future .....


Either that or Buckler or LD have scared em all away LOL LOL LOL

Holly68 says...
9:21pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Holly68 wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
Cox leaves Academy to (rumour) join Winter & Stephenson at Sheff Utd.

Stephenson only joined Sheff Utd recently (after leaving Watford to join the Brighton revolution which lasted all of 5 minutes as its alleged he didn't get on with Poyet). Its rumoured he is restructuring the Academy set up at Sheff U and splitting the coaching and admin roles seperately, with Cox favourite for non coaching role.

For Cox, after 11 years at same club, most people would look to move on, maybe he was disappointed about Watford being Cat 3 and not Cat 1 Academy, however Sheff U are Cat 2.

So for him, a "bigger fan base" club (albeit in division below but expect promotion), a bigger salary (maybe), Cat 2, change of scenery, with people he knows previously !!

Or has Ross Wilson at Huddersfield or even Dyche at Burnley come in with a late offer to scupper Sheff U .... All miles away and T'up North, need more coats for sure to keep warm. I doubt he would be going to Cardiff !

Of all the 11 years, strangest time to want to leave Watford, maybe after the Cat 3 was announced, he had a "dip into the job market" alerting his previous colleagues, maybe over time he may regret not staying.

I hear that the assistant Academy Manager is taking over the Head Role, Nani states he was the outstanding candidate, clearly the money is being invested in 5 year deals for our top youngsters and to attract youngsters of the calibre of Panos Armenakas and not on a conveyor belt of coaches etc ....

Let's hope the new Academy Head does very well, as a fan I hope we continue to prosper and develop some top players that can maintain Championship or Premiership status, not too many have achieved that out the "52", most start promising but end up in league two or non league
It just shows how positive fans are now, a few weeks back, this news would've been the end of the world to some, however due to the excellent Fans Forum and form on the pitch, even the then negative fans are seeing the light of the brighter future .....


Either that or Buckler or LD have scared em all away LOL LOL LOL
Seriously though, good to see all the fans and club pulling in same direction after turbulent years, no more bad apples (pun : joke : Coxes LOL)

jasonwatford says...
9:37pm Mon 19 Nov 12

perhaps on friday watford observer will have a double page spread on nick cox and sheffield utd !!! So now we can read all about Burnely and Sheff Utd. Nick is a fine bloke met him a few times at training ground....im sure the academy is in good hands...eh lutondown ?? :-)

gloryhornet4 says...
10:13pm Mon 19 Nov 12

More exiting to go to Sheff U -Scullion Franks Eddy Furphy Currie & now Cox - when will it end!

Hampshire hornet says...
11:10pm Mon 19 Nov 12

Has the safe left the building yet? I am sure the Pozzo's one will be / is an improvement anyway...

luther70 says...
12:20am Tue 20 Nov 12

i always remember his speedy delivery of half time pizzas to the rookery. service with a smile like a true watford fan.

Holly68 says...
9:05am Tue 20 Nov 12

I doubt there is any truth in rumours linking Beckham to Watford (unless Elton swung it for us) LOL

Hampshire hornet says...
11:17am Tue 20 Nov 12

The revenue he would bring would be amazing...

Hampshire hornet says...
11:17am Tue 20 Nov 12

The revenue he would bring would be amazing...

ORBY says...
11:51am Tue 20 Nov 12

gloryhornet4 wrote:
More exiting to go to Sheff U -Scullion Franks Eddy Furphy Currie & now Cox - when will it end!
Henderson/Garbett

Alexander Hilcroft says...
1:55pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Holly68 wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
Cox leaves Academy to (rumour) join Winter & Stephenson at Sheff Utd.

Stephenson only joined Sheff Utd recently (after leaving Watford to join the Brighton revolution which lasted all of 5 minutes as its alleged he didn't get on with Poyet). Its rumoured he is restructuring the Academy set up at Sheff U and splitting the coaching and admin roles seperately, with Cox favourite for non coaching role.

For Cox, after 11 years at same club, most people would look to move on, maybe he was disappointed about Watford being Cat 3 and not Cat 1 Academy, however Sheff U are Cat 2.

So for him, a "bigger fan base" club (albeit in division below but expect promotion), a bigger salary (maybe), Cat 2, change of scenery, with people he knows previously !!

Or has Ross Wilson at Huddersfield or even Dyche at Burnley come in with a late offer to scupper Sheff U .... All miles away and T'up North, need more coats for sure to keep warm. I doubt he would be going to Cardiff !

Of all the 11 years, strangest time to want to leave Watford, maybe after the Cat 3 was announced, he had a "dip into the job market" alerting his previous colleagues, maybe over time he may regret not staying.

I hear that the assistant Academy Manager is taking over the Head Role, Nani states he was the outstanding candidate, clearly the money is being invested in 5 year deals for our top youngsters and to attract youngsters of the calibre of Panos Armenakas and not on a conveyor belt of coaches etc ....

Let's hope the new Academy Head does very well, as a fan I hope we continue to prosper and develop some top players that can maintain Championship or Premiership status, not too many have achieved that out the "52", most start promising but end up in league two or non league
It just shows how positive fans are now, a few weeks back, this news would've been the end of the world to some, however due to the excellent Fans Forum and form on the pitch, even the then negative fans are seeing the light of the brighter future .....


Either that or Buckler or LD have scared em all away LOL LOL LOL
Seriously though, good to see all the fans and club pulling in same direction after turbulent years, no more bad apples (pun : joke : Coxes LOL)
Some people believe that talking to yourself is an early sign of mental imbalance...

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