Watford have sacked head coach Ed Still after just three months in charge, following a dismal end to the Championship season that saw the team lose six of their final seven matches. The 35-year-old was appointed in February on a two-and-a-half-year contract but was dismissed after a 4-0 home defeat by Coventry City on Saturday.
Another Managerial Change at Watford
Still becomes the 11th permanent head coach to leave the club since the end of the 2020-21 season, continuing Watford's reputation for frequent managerial changes. The Hornets finished 16th in the Championship, 10 points above the relegation zone, but the board decided that a change was necessary.
Club Statement
Watford released a brief statement on Sunday morning: "Watford FC have this morning parted company with Head coach Ed Still. First-team coach Karim Belhocine has also left the club. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours."
Still's Final Comments
After the defeat to Coventry, Still acknowledged the need for a reset. "A reset is needed. We need to reset the squad, the staff and make sure that the energy around the team and in the team is much stronger and ready to deal with a whole Championship season," he said. He also highlighted the challenges of managing a squad with many players on loan, out of contract, or nearing the end of their time at the club, which he felt impacted commitment in recent weeks.
Still is the older brother of Will Still, the former Southampton manager who was dismissed in November. Southampton later reached the playoffs under Tonda Eckert.
