Manager Candidate Profiles - Aidy Boothroyd

Age: 38

What Do We Know?

Aidy Boothroyd is interested in the job and he has held talks with the board.

Playing career

Boothroyd played in the low divisions as a full back. He started his professional career at Hudderfield in 1989 and the following year he joined Bristol Rovers. He also also spent a year at Hearts before Mansfield and ending his career early with Peterborough United at just 26 due to injury. He's only ever scored 4 times in his career.

Coaching / Management

Boothroyd was appointed Under 17, Under 19 and Reserve team coach at Peterborough when his career ended prematurely. He left 'the Posh' in 2001 and joined Norwich City as Youth Team coach along side Nigel Worthington. 2 years later he then moved to West Brom as Youth Development Officer and Technical Director.

He also had a spell at Leeds as their First Team coach in July 2004 before getting his first Manager's job at Watford in March 2005.

Watford fans were concerned by this appointment as he was an unknown rookie at the time.

He spent 3 years at the club and he set his ambitions of promotion to the Premiership ahead of the 05/06 season. Watford finished in the play-offs and beat Leeds 3-0 in the final to win promotion to the Premiership.

However, they finished bottom the following season and made a quick return to the Championship. Watford began their season well as they looked to get back into the top flight. They made an excellent start, but form in the second half of the season saw them drop down and finish 6th, occupying the last play-off place. They couldn't repeat the success of 2006, and lost to Hull City in the play-off semi final.

He left Watford by mutual consent on 3 November 2008.

Managerial Record:

It's not the best it has to be said, in 176 games in charge, he won just 65 (37%), lost 60 and drew 51.

Fans' views from the Forum:

He's a young and talented manager. He saved Watford from relegation when he first came, second season reached the playoffs and won, ok he had a bad season in the Premiership but not many teams who just go up do well, third season he took them to the playoffs and lost. How can anyone really complain that much with a record like that in the Championship? Many say he might play 'hoof ball' well Gary Speed's been at Sheff Utd and Bolton will almost definately be expected to bring that here if he came. I just don't understand why someone with good experience, young and hungry is being ruled out by so many fans.
phillip

I wouldn't mind Boothroyd, done a decent enough job in management so far, but we really need a big'ish name - someone who is able to convince the players we've got to stay and play for him and not be tempted away.
cyjax

Aidy Boothroyd talking last year about being successful and NLP:



Other Profiles:

Gary Speed

Gus Poyet

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