Chris Dunlavy
A FRESH TAKE ON FOOTBALL
The longest Valerien Ismael has ever remained in a first-team managerial role is one year and ten days, a record that is unlikely to be troubled this season.
Watford wield an axe with the gay abandon of Jack Ketch, making it something of a miracle that the Frenchman remained in post after last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield.

Three consecutive home defeats, seven league games at Vicarage Road without a win, six goals scored and 13 conceded would normally have guaranteed a one-way trip to the chopping block.

Yet contrary to all expectations, Ismae...