Watford manager ed still sacked
Watford FC have parted ways with head coach Ed Still after just 83 days in charge, marking the club’s third managerial departure this season. This decision follows a disappointing run of form that saw the team finish 16th in the Championship, significantly off the play-off pace.
During his brief tenure, Still managed 15 matches, achieving a record of 3 wins, 4 draws, and 8 defeats. The team struggled particularly in their last five league fixtures, conceding 16 goals while scoring only once.
Still was appointed on February 9, 2026, on a two-and-a-half-year contract. However, after a promising start that included an initial eleven points from his first seven games, the momentum quickly faded. The final straw seemed to be an abject performance against Coventry City.
Key statistics from Ed Still’s tenure:
- 3 wins out of 15 matches
- 4 draws
- 8 defeats
- 16 points off the play-off pace
- 5 consecutive league losses
The club’s statement confirmed that First Team Coach Karim Belhocine also left alongside Still. “We wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” it read.
Scott Duxbury, Watford’s chief executive, acknowledged that there were mistakes made during this period. “We have to accept there were things we got wrong – and things that MUST improve over the close season,” he said.
The frequent managerial changes at Watford are not new; under Gino Pozzo’s ownership since 2012, the club has seen a total of 23 permanent managerial appointments. Notably, they have cycled through 15 head coaches since September 2019 alone.
The search for Watford’s next manager will now commence as they aim to reset and reshape ahead of the upcoming season.
