Following Watford’s split from head coach Valerien Ismael, former Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead has confirmed his departure.

After coaching stints at Huddersfield and Cardiff, Whitehead joined the Hornets in June of last year as an assistant head coach. Whitehead had previously worked with Ismael at Turkish club Besiktas.

However, Watford announced that they have parted ways with Ismael following their 2-1 loss to Coventry on Saturday, following a run of only one victory in ten games. The team also loses Whitehead and assistant coach Omar Riza. Tom Cleverley, a former midfield player, will take over as head coach in the meantime.

“Thank you @WatfordFC loved my time here, met so many really good people, disappointed to leave,” tweeted Whitehead in response to the announcement. I hope everyone at the club has success.”

Before moving to Stoke City, Whitehead played for Sunderland for 199 games from 2004 to 2009. Later in his career, he also played for Huddersfield and Middlesbrough.