Watford terminate Ed Still's tenure after three-month spell in 2026

Watford have dismissed head coach Ed Still just three months into his role following a poor run of form.

Club makes coaching change Watford have relieved Ed Still of his duties as head coach after a spell of less than three months at the club. The 35-year-old Belgian was hired on a two-and-a-half-year deal on February 9, following the exit of former boss Javi Gracia. At the time of his appointment, the team sat 11th in the standings, just three points away from the play-offs, but their form has since deteriorated sharply. Since his arrival, they have managed only three victories in 15 league matches, slipping to 16th place, 16 points behind the top six and only 10 points clear of relegation. ## Recent struggles sealed manager's fate Still's final match in charge ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Coventry at Vicarage Road, marking their fifth consecutive loss. During this winless streak, the team has conceded 16 goals while scoring just one. Following the game, Still spoke to a local radio station, stating his belief that a fresh start in the summer would benefit the club. He remarked, "The end of season is needed and there is plenty of time to reset, reshape and start again afresh from the summer." ## Staff departures confirmed In addition to Still's dismissal, first-team coach Karim Belhocine has also left the club. A club announcement confirmed both departures, adding that the club wishes them well in their future pursuits. Watford now face the task of finding their 15th permanent head coach since September 2019, excluding interim appointments. Their search marks the 12th managerial change since the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.