Watford have confirmed the sacking of head coach Ed Still, after a 0-4 home defeat to the champions Coventry City on the final day of the campaign.
The Belgian Head Coach had been in charge for just over three months since the away game at Preston North End after replacing Javi Gracia at the start of February.
When Still was appointed, the Hornets sat just three points outside the play-off positions; however ended it with only three wins in fifteen, finishing in 16th place.
His tenure did get off to a steady start, with a 2-2 draw away at Preston in his first game in charge, before claiming a 2-0 win at home to Derby County in his first game at Vicarage Road.
Things began to go downhill from here, with only two wins in thirteen against Bristol City and Wrexham and ending the season with five straight defeats with an aggregate score of 16-1.
Fans questioned his tactical decisions and team selections at times due to his stubbornness in changing his approach in games.
Performances have not shown what was expected since February, with a lack of clear vision and an inability to grow into the game.
Despite stubbornness in his approach, injuries may have hindered his chances of achieving results with key players such as Othmane Maamma and Jeremy Ngakia all out.
In addition, team morale seems to have lacked care in recent times, with players’ attitudes going downhill, aswell as passion for fighting for the badge.
Still hasn’t got what he wanted out of the players, with multiple incidents of players turning up late for training and moaning whilst training, which could have led to his departure.
In recent weeks, Ed Still has opened up about the club’s culture and the need for change with alignment of the owner Gino Pozzo aswell as the sporting director and head coach.
Speaking after the Coventry defeat, Still said: “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”.
“There’s the fact that so many players are on loan, out of contract, or others who you just feel have come to the end of their time at the club.”
“That’s one of the factors that has impacted us in the past few weeks, because so many players know they’re not going to be here next season.”
“You need that vision, and it needs to resonate through everybody.”
“You have a few key people who drive it – the board, the sporting director, the head coach.
“They drive it, they lead it, and it ripples through the club from there”.
Watford will be heading into next season looking for the right head coach to lead them forward.
It’s clear that change is needed at the club, with many questions being asked about the culture and dynamic between the hierarchy and the head coach.
Chairman Scott Duxbury, in a recent statement, has called for more Championship-experienced players to bolster their squad next season and help in the hope of a play-off push.
Time is precious in the Watford managerial role, and whoever is next in the hot seat will be hoping for support within the hierarchy and a change of culture in the club.
