It wouldn’t be a typical season at Vicarage Road without a managerial search. Just eight days after Javi Gracia’s second stint in charge came to an abrupt end via resignation, Watford are reportedly on the verge of announcing their next head coach.
Interim boss Charlie Daniels, who experienced a “reality check” in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton, looks set to step aside. Despite Daniels praising his side’s “accountability” and chance creation, the Hornets’ board has moved swiftly to secure a permanent replacement to reignite their play-off push.
The “Still” Connection: Anthony Joseph’s Update
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Watford are set to appoint Edward Still the 35-year-old brother of former Southampton manager Will Still as their new head coach.
While the “Still” name carries significant weight in European coaching circles, Edward’s appointment represents a major roll of the dice for a club sitting 11th in the Championship and three points adrift of the play-offs.
A Gamble on Youth and Potential
To say Edward Still is short on English management experience would be an understatement. His resume as a head coach is primarily built in Belgium with Royal Charleroi SC, KAS Eupen, and KV Kortrijk. Outside of those roles, he has spent much of his career as an assistant notably working alongside his brother at Lens.
The Edward Still Profile:
- Preferred System: A tactical 4-2-3-1, focused on fluidity.
- Coaching Pedigree: Deeply influenced by the “Still family” analytical approach to the game.
- The Warning Sign: His last stint at KV Kortrijk saw him fail to secure a single victory in eight matches during the 2023/24 campaign.
The Verdict: Bold Move or Desperate Dice Roll?
Watford fans are used to the revolving door of managers, but Edward Still is a departure from the usual “experienced firefighter” profile. By choosing a 35-year-old with limited top-level success, the board is betting on fresh ideas and tactical innovation over Championship experience.
With only a handful of games to bridge the gap to the top six, Still will have no time for a “honeymoon period.” He must prove immediately that he is more than just a famous surname if he wants to survive the most unforgiving boardroom in English football.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
