Edward Still Arrives in England Amid Watford Manager Talks

LONDON (Azat TV) – Edward Still, the 35-year-old Belgian-born English manager, arrived in England today to finalize personal terms and is expected to be announced as Watford’s new manager. This move comes after Still resigned from his assistant coaching role at Anderlecht, with the Championship club keen to secure his services following a period of managerial instability.

Still’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for Watford, who have been without a permanent manager since Javi Gracia unexpectedly departed on February 1st. The Hornets have struggled recently, failing to win any of their last seven games in all competitions, including a weekend defeat by Southampton, and are looking to climb back into contention for a top-six spot in the Championship.

Still’s Path to Vicarage Road

Edward Still’s journey to the helm of Watford has seen him gain significant experience in Belgian football. He previously held managerial positions at Eupen, Charleroi, and KV Kortrijk before joining Anderlecht as an assistant coach last summer. His resignation from Anderlecht was officially announced on Monday morning, with the club stating that Still had decided to “take up a challenge at a club abroad,” wishing him the best of luck in his new endeavor, as reported by Inside Futbol.

The negotiations between Still and Watford are reportedly in their final stages, with all parties actively engaged in discussions to power through the agreement. Still himself is said to be keen on making the move to the Championship, signaling his ambition to manage in English football. However, his current assistant, Jeremy Taravel, will not be joining him at Watford, opting to remain with the Belgian side.

Watford’s Search for Stability

Watford’s managerial merry-go-round has been a defining feature of their recent history. The club began the current campaign with Paulo Pezzolano at the helm, but a lack of stability led to the return of fan-favorite Javi Gracia. Gracia’s second stint initially saw a promising turnaround, with the team making a strong push for the top six. However, his sudden resignation left the club in a precarious position, with former AFC Bournemouth ace Charlie Daniels temporarily leading the side, according to the Daily Echo.

The Hornets’ recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team’s winless streak highlighting the urgent need for a new leader to steady the ship. The appointment of Still is expected to provide a much-needed fresh perspective and renewed impetus as Watford aims to salvage their season and compete for promotion.

A New Chapter for the Still Family in English Football

The arrival of Edward Still in English football also brings a familiar name back into the spotlight. His younger brother, Will Still, had a brief but notable managerial spell at Southampton earlier this season. Will Still’s tenure at St Mary’s lasted for 13 Championship matches before his departure, and he was even briefly linked with the vacant Watford job himself after Gracia’s exit. Edward Still’s move means both brothers will have had recent experience managing in the high-paced environment of English football, albeit for different clubs.

Watford’s next fixture is against Preston North End this weekend, and the club will undoubtedly be hoping to have Edward Still in place to manage the team, eager to see his impact on their performance and results.

Edward Still’s appointment represents a calculated gamble for Watford, bringing in a manager with a strong pedigree in Belgian football but relatively unproven at the Championship level, underscoring the club’s consistent strategy of seeking innovative solutions to their perennial quest for stability and promotion.