Ed Still appointed as Watford's head coach on 2.5-year-deal

Still, aged 35, previously held the position of caretaker manager at Anderlecht in Belgium and is the older brother of former Southampton boss Will Still

Ed Still
Author: Isabella HudsonPublished 9th Feb 2026

Ed Still has been announced as the new head coach of Watford FC, stepping into the role with a two-and-a-half-year contract at Vicarage Road.

Still, aged 35, previously held the position of caretaker manager at Anderlecht in Belgium and is the older brother of former Southampton boss Will Still.

He will begin his duties immediately as Watford prepare to face Preston North End on 14th February at 3:00pm.

Charlie Daniels, who was acting as interim head coach, will now be first team coach, with Karim Belhocine joining in the same capacity.

Still shared his excitement in a statement on the club's website, stating, "I'm absolutely delighted. I'm so thrilled and proud to be here."

He expressed his strategy for the team, focusing on winning games swiftly and improving player performance.

Fans can apparently expect a style that emphasizes defensive compactness and fast-paced attacking.

Scott Duxbury, Watford's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the appointment, praising Still's modern and progressive coaching methods.

Duxbury emphasized the alignment of these methods with the squad, enhancing their opportunity to challenge for play-offs.

He also recognized the work done by Charlie Daniels during his interim tenure, which earned him the respect of both the technical department and players.

Still's previous experience includes working alongside his brother, Will Still, at Lens, contributing to their eighth-place finish in France's Ligue 1.

His career also includes roles at Club Brugge, Royal Antwerp, and Shanghai Port.

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