Watford sack manager ed still

Ed Still was sacked just three months into his tenure at Watford FC, marking another swift managerial change for the club. Appointed in February 2026 following Javi Gracia’s resignation, Still faced immediate challenges that ultimately led to his dismissal on May 3, 2026.

Before this development, expectations were moderately high for Still. The team finished 16th in the Championship, which left them 10 points above the relegation zone. However, his record deteriorated rapidly as he lost six of his final seven games as head coach.

Under Ed Still’s management, Watford experienced one of their worst seasons ever at the second-tier level. His points-per-game tally stood at just 0.87, with a total of eight losses out of 15 matches. This performance not only disappointed fans but also prompted club owner Gino Pozzo to make a decisive change.

The impact of this decision extends beyond just Still. Karim Belhocine also left the club alongside him, indicating a broader shake-up within the coaching staff. This marks Pozzo’s ongoing trend of managerial instability; he has now hired 24 permanent head coaches since 2012.

Still expressed the need for a reset during his brief time at the club, stating, “A reset is needed. We need to reset the squad, the staff and make sure that the energy around the team… is much stronger.” His vision for improvement will now be left to his successor.

The team’s next challenge will be crucial as they look to rebuild and avoid further decline in performance. As they prepare for the upcoming season, Watford faces significant pressure to reshape both their squad and strategy.

This managerial change comes after a disappointing season where Watford suffered a 4-0 defeat to Coventry City, highlighting the urgent need for fresh leadership and direction.