What next for Ed Still after Watford sacking?

What next for Ed Still after Watford sacking?

Watford’s managerial merry-go-round continues apace with Ed Still the latest to experience the dizzy nature of the clubs owners. Clearly, under Still, Watford did not improve much, and the young Belgian head coach would have been fully aware of what he was signing up for when he penned a deal until 2028. Very few Watford managers have seen out a contract as the club prioritises short termism over any long term strategy.

Yet for Still, his career is now at a crossroads. After a great start with Charleroi, he has gone on to struggle with Kortrijk and Eupen. Both were tough jobs, with Watford hardly a walk in the park either. In many ways, it was strange that Watford even considered bringing Still in, but we all know that there are connections at play there.

Now, Still has a choice to make. He will likely enjoy a reasonable pay out from leaving Watford just a few months into his deal. Yet if he wants to return to management, he will want to get back into work soon. His decision to join Anderlecht in a coaching capacity appeared to be a shrewd move a few months ago. It gave him a chance to remain at the top level of Belgian football without having to deal with the pressures of management. He could have even taken over Anderlecht until the end of the season, but the lure of Watford and a lengthy contract was hard to turn down. No doubt Still believed he could turn things around for Watford, but he is also intelligent enough to know that he was unlikely to be given much time.

Where Still might find opportunities is in the Belgian second tier. There will likely be a few openings next season as clubs look to either remain in the second tier of Belgian professional football or push for promotion. After the Watford experience, Still could decide to return to management in the step below the Pro League and rebuild his reputation while simultaneously helping a side develop.

If not, plenty of head coaches will be interested in bringing Still in to the club in a role similar to the one he had with Anderlecht. Both Watford and Still are approaching a crucial summer for both of their futures.