Harry Kewell: ‘Coming to Watford FC was a no-brainer’

Harry Kewell said he thought somebody was winding him up when he was called out of the blue to ask if he would be interested in becoming Watford’s Under-21 coach.

The former Leeds United and Liverpool winger received a phone call from Ben Thatcher, of all people, sounding him out about the vacancy at Vicarage Road.

“I’ve done some work with him [Ben Thatcher] before and he made the initial contact with [Watford sporting director] Luke Dowling,” Kewell said. “I thought he was lying. You just don’t get opportunities like this.”

Kewell said he is yet to formally meet owner Gino Pozzo but finalised the move with Dowling and chief executive Scott Duxbury.

“It was a no-brainer,” he said. “To have an opportunity to work under an exciting manager that is very confident, that allows me to be involved, watch his training, ask if I have any questions and what it takes be a manager – I’ve got all that and I’m just learning every day.”

Kewell wanted to meet Quique Sanchez Flores before he accepted the role to gauge his thoughts on where the development of young players fitted into his philosophy. Money, for a man who, in 2008, had a fortune of £13.8million according to the Sunday Times Rich List, was barely mentioned in contract talks.

“It’s not about the money,” he said. I’m a YT (youth trainee). You can forget my whole playing career. It’s a fresh start for me. It’s not about what I used to do as a player. Yes, I want to be a manager but I feel like I’m an apprentice.

“I’m back being a 15 year old. I just see myself learning. It’s hard work but I love it. The first week blew my mind; I had headaches and everything.”

Kewell has overseen a defeat at Maidenhead United, defeat to QPR and a goalless draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

Results he said, are not important. It’s about creating a pathway for young players to the first team, like Under-18 striker Michael Folivi who is training with the senior squad.

“It’s not about this group winning the league and playing 30 games – it’s about producing players,” said Kewell. “It’s about working on individual skills to push them into the first team. If I can get them ready to go up there [to the first team] and hold their position then I’ve done my job.”

More Watford related news