Ed Still barely had time to move into the office. After just three months as manager at Watford, the Belgian is done at Vicarage Road. – Even though it went fast, the firing is no surprise.
The 35-year-old Belgian was hired on a two-and-a-half-year contract on February 9. He took over from Javi Gracia, who retired when the team was in 11th place in the table – only three points away from the play-off places.
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Since then, it has gone only one way. Downwards.
Five straight losses – and one goal in five games
Under Still’s leadership, Watford have won just three of 15 league games. The team has slipped down to 16th place, 16 points behind the top six and only ten points above the relegation place.
His last game as manager was Saturday’s horrific 4-0 loss at home to league champions Coventry. It was the team’s fifth straight loss. In those five games, Watford have conceded 16 goals – and scored just one.
After the game, Still told BBC Three Counties Radio:
“The end of the season is necessary. There is plenty of time to reset, reshape and start over after the summer.
He will not get the chance to take advantage of that opportunity.
The chaos continues at Watford
Watford are now starting their search for their 15th manager – not counting interim managers – since September 2019, when Gracia left the club for the first time. Since the end of the 2020/21 season, this is the 12th manager to leave.
The club’s statement reads:
– Watford FC has today early agreed with head coach Ed Still to end the collaboration. First-team coach Karim Belhocine has also left the club. We wish them all the best in their future careers.
Inevitable end
According to commentators, the firing has been inevitable for several weeks. In the last two months, the results have been terrible, the performances miserable, and tactically the team has lacked both structure and a recognizable game plan.
The players have looked bored. Morale, confidence, faith and team spirit are at rock bottom. Owner Gino Pozzo is not known for holding out in such situations, and
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