Watford mired in 'annual end-of-season slumber'

Watford last won on the road in February when they beat Bristol City 2-1. [Getty Images]

It's Groundhog Day for Watford. With the play-offs out of reach, the Hornets have slipped into their annual end-of-season slumber, with low-key performances which instigate boos from their own fans.

It started with the 2-0 loss at Oxford United on Saturday, when manager Ed Still had to apologise for not taking it to an opposition side "who wanted it more."

It remains to be seen how Watford navigate the next few games when there's no jeopardy.

Do you stick a rocket up the current squad and at least ask them to put a bit of personal pride in their performances to collectively get some results?

Do you motivate the players by giving them a target to end their four-game winless run away from home?

That could be achieved in the remaining two trips to West Brom and Middlesbrough. But both of those sides still need wins for different reasons.

Or do you try something more radical?

The manager has said planning has already begun for next season and is happening in between these games. But what happens if these games are more obviously being used in the planning process?

Perhaps he should tell players who think they are a shoe-in for next season that the next four games are a trial to decide their role in this club going forward.

That may mean some unusual formations, more risk-taking and a greater chance of further defeats.

The Watford fans would have to tolerate using the last few games as an experiment for building a better future. Will they just stay away if the defeats continue?

It's a brave strategy which may take more man and fan management. But if Still is determined to make this club his future, he may want to create disruption now to create a better Watford for next season.