"Surprised a lot of people" - Claim issued on Jake Livermore's Watford FC future | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Watford FC are facing up to more change in the summer after yet another underwhelming but hectic season at Vicarage Road.

It seemed that Valerien Ismael could have been the man to change the fortunes of the Hornets after his arrival last summer, during which he utilised connections with some of his former clubs in the first of his two transfer markets in charge.

One of those deals was to bring in his former West Bromwich Albion captain Jake Livermore on a one-year deal following his departure from The Hawthorns, after a six-and-a-half year association with the Baggies after his £10m move from Hull City back in January 2017.

Here at Football League World, we quizzed our Watford FC fan pundit, Justin Beattie, for his verdict on Livermore's impact at the Hornets, and whether he feels the Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate will be part of the club's plans as they continue their search for yet another man to fill the current vacancy in the dugout.

"Tom Cleverley hasn't used Jake Livermore much since becoming head coach., primarily because he seems to be playing three at the back, and so there doesn't seem to be room to have the defensive midfielder role that Livermore would play in," Justin told Football League World.

"I think he's surprised a lot of people this season. A lot of people thought he was probably too old to compete in the Championship, but he's certainly proven those who said that wrong.

"He's been a decent midfielder for us this season, and scored a couple of cracking goals at QPR," Beattie added.

Despite the praise that has come Livermore's way for his professional performances and moments of quality in a Watford shirt, Beattie admits there are potential question marks as to whether he'll remain at Vicarage Road next season, as there could be better options in the upcoming summer transfer window.

"But in terms of extending his contract next season, I think it might not be worth it. I think there might be better options out there for Watford."

"But, having said that, he's done a sterling job this season, and he will be remembered fondly at Watford if he is to leave at the end of the season."

Watford's new midfielder Jake Livermore

As previously mentioned, the midfielder - who has experienced two Championship promotions with Hull and West Brom - was given a one-year deal last July, meaning that he has just weeks to put himself in with a chance to earn fresh terms.

In a report by The Athletic in February, when Ismael was still in charge, it was claimed that the club were planning to open talks with Livermore and veteran goalkeeper Ben Hamer, after full-back Jeremy Ngakia was given a new four-year contract.

But, regardless of the leadership and technical qualities the midfielder possesses, no further updates have since been given regarding those contract talks, and given that his game-time under Cleverley has been limited, Livermore seems to be somewhat left in the dark at present.

Cleverley has opted for a more youthful midfield since taking the reins, which has bore fruit against a number of top sides, including credible draws against West Brom and Leeds United.

Livermore's presence in the dressing room would no doubt be welcome, but the hierarchy need to factor in much more when weighing up options, so it could be a fascinating contract saga in the coming weeks.