Sheffield Wednesday’s championship rival turn to left-field choice for new manager

Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship rivals Watford have confirmed Ed Still as their new head coach.

The Hornets announced the 35-year-old’s appointment ahead of this week’s fixture against Preston North End, with Still stepping into the role following Javi Gracia’s recent departure. Watford moved quickly to fill the vacancy, turning to a notably unconventional choice in the managerial market.

Still, the brother of former Southampton manager Will Still, arrives at Vicarage Road on a two-and-a-half-year contract after most recently working as caretaker manager at Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht. His CV also includes spells in charge of Royal Charleroi, KAS Eupen and KV Kortrijk.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Watford said they were “delighted” to secure Still’s services, confirming he will take charge immediately for Saturday’s trip to Preston.

Interim boss Charlie Daniels will remain on the coaching staff as first-team coach, alongside Karim Belhocine, who also joins in the same role.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Still expressed his excitement at the challenge ahead, describing Watford as a club with “a big place in English football and a fantastic history.” He added that his immediate priority would be delivering results, outlining an aggressive, defensively solid side that attacks with speed.

Sheffield Wednesday are set to face the Hornets in six matches’ time, with Henrik Pedersen’s already-relegated side welcoming Watford to Hillsborough for a Tuesday night encounter on March 10.