Watford Manager Tom Cleverley Identifies Mattie Pollock as Potential Future Captain

Watford’s centre-back Mattie Pollock, who recently signed a new five-year contract with the club, is considered a potential future captain for the Hornets by manager Tom Cleverley. Pollock joined Watford from Grimsby Town in July 2021. He subsequently spent time on loan at Cheltenham and Aberdeen before establishing himself within the Watford squad during the 2023-24 season. The 23-year-old has featured as a starter in all 14 Championship matches this season. He also netted his inaugural goal for the Hornets in August, during a 5-0 Carabao Cup first-round victory against MK Dons, a match where he also served as captain. Cleverley expressed his belief that Pollock possesses the qualities to become the club’s permanent skipper, stating to the club website, external: “He’s a leader, he’s got a good sense of humour and he’s got great energy. He’s a well-liked character.“What’s impressed us most as staff is how he’s improved on the ball. He’s really comfortable in possession now and that’s why he’s been catapulted from someone on the fringes to consistently in the team.”