Ed Still was sacked just three months into his tenure as manager of Watford FC on May 3, 2026. This decision marks another swift managerial change at the club, which has struggled in the Championship this season.
Still was appointed in February 2026 following Javi Gracia’s resignation. Expectations were high after Gracia’s departure, but the team finished 16th in the Championship, only 10 points above the relegation zone. The club experienced a disappointing end to the season.
Key statistics from Ed Still’s tenure:
- Watford lost six of their final seven games under Still.
- He managed a total of 15 matches, losing eight of them.
- His points-per-game tally was just 0.87.
Karim Belhocine also left the club alongside Ed Still. His departure reflects ongoing instability within Watford’s managerial ranks. Gino Pozzo, the club’s owner, has now hired 24 permanent head coaches since 2012.
This season marked Watford’s worst finish at second-tier level. Ed Still acknowledged that a reset was needed for the squad and staff to improve energy and performance. He stated, “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.”
Yet, many observers noted that Still’s dismissal had been inevitable given recent results. One source indicated, “This has been inevitable for quite a few weeks, and the announcement comes as no surprise.” The club will now look for a new head coach ahead of next season.
The next steps for Watford FC remain unclear as they prepare for another managerial search. They aim to build a more competitive squad for their upcoming campaign in the Championship.
