Watford Football Club has officially named Adrian Mariappa as a first-team coach following the exit of Dan Gosling. Mariappa, who previously played as a defender for the Hornets during two separate stints—2005 to 2012 and again from 2016 to 2020—made a total of 340 appearances for the club.

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Earlier this year, Mariappa briefly served as part of the interim first-team coaching staff after Javi Gracia’s resignation. He has now transitioned from his role as assistant coach for the club’s under-21 team, a position he held since August.

Mariappa takes over the duties from Gosling, who had recently been announced as assistant coach to new head coach Alessio Dionisi in June. Gosling’s departure marks another change within the coaching staff as the club looks to redefine its approach.

Watford have appointed Adrian Mariappa as a first-team coach following the departure of Dan Gosling.

Former Hornets defender Mariappa played for the club during two spells between 2005 to 2012, and again in 2016 to 2020, making 340 appearances in total.

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Mariappa briefly stepped in as part of the interim first-team coaching staff in February following Javi Gracia’s resignation.

He leaves his position as assistant coach of the club’s under-21’s which he had held since last August.

Mariappa replaces the departing Gosling, another former Watford player, who has left his role as assistant after it was announced only in June he was staying at the club to assist new head coach Alessio Dionisi.