2024/25 Coaching Staff confirmed

Omer Riza has joined Erol Bulut’s backroom staff ahead of the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Omer began his career in football as a player within Arsenal’s youth setup, making his senior debut for the club in 1998.

Following a career that saw him play as a striker for clubs across the continent, his transition into coaching began with a spell as a player-manager, before joining Watford as an academy coach in 2018.

Remaining with the Hornets as he continued his work with youth players, Omer also spent time coaching at international level, forming part of the coaching team for England’s U16 and U17 sides.

In June 2023, Omer stepped up from his role in the Watford Academy to take on coaching duties with the Hornets’ First Team, gaining Championship experience as Assistant First Team Coach at Vicarage Road.

Erol Bulut was joined by Omer, Nikolaos Karydas, Mario Galinović and Tom Ramasut as the First Team squad returned to our training base at the Vale Resort, with preparations for the new season getting underway.

Having spent the 2023/24 season with Cardiff City, Nadir Sönmez has departed the Welsh capital ahead of the upcoming campaign. We’d like to thank Nadir for his contributions and wish him the very best of luck for the future.