'I'LL PUT STING INTO HORNETS!'

Interim boss Tom calls for intensity

- Chris Dunlavy

TOM Cleverley says restoring passion and intensity to the lackluster Hornets is his first priority after taking charge at Vicarage Road until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old replaced Valerien Ismael, right, who was sacked after a run of six defeats from eight games left the one-time play-off hopefuls stuck in mid-table.

Recent performances have been notable for a lack of urgency, with stats showing a sharp decline in both pressing actions and high-intensity sprints.

And whilst Cleverley admits the top six is long gone, he is determined to give disillusioned supporters - who have not seen their side win a league game on home turf since November - a team they can get behind.

“That’s very important to me, probably the No.1 priority,” says the former Manchester United and England midfielder.

“That’s how I played - passionate, high energy, high effort. If you control the controllables as a player then you won’t go far wrong and that will be one of the key principles in my team.