BILIC’S TURN IN HOTTEST SEAT OF ALL
WATFORD are embarking on their 18th managerial reign under owner Gino Pozzo after sacking Rob Edwards after just 11 games in charge.
Trigger-happy owner Pozzo, in charge at Vicarage Road for 10 years, has moved swiftly to bring in Slaven Bilic (above) to replace Edwards.
Justifying the decision, Pozzo claimed: “As with all decisions taken by the board, I believe this change to be in the best interests of the club.”
But disillusioned fans were quick to point out executive chairman Scott Duxbury had promised to back Edwards “come hell or high water” in the summer.
Edwards (below), the former Forest Green Rovers boss who walked out on the vegan eco-warriors four months ago to join the Hornets, leaves Vicarage Road with three wins, five draws and three defeats.
His record was a vast improvement on last season’s dismal relegation – but level par was not enough for Pozzo, who claimed: “We felt Rob had enough time to show us the identity of his team.
“However, performances haven’t reflected our hopes and ambitions.
“Now we must move forward and, in Slaven Bilic, we have secured the services of an experienced coach who has recent experience of promotion to the Premier League.”
It means Watford are onto their FIFTH new manager in a year after sacking Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieiri and Edwards, while ex-England coach Roy Hodgson’s short-term contract was not renewed in the summer after a grim four months in charge.
The decision to ditch Edwards has not gone down well with fans.
This is despite Watford appeasing supporters by keeping hold of star forwards Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr in the summer transfer window.
Duxbury had acclaimed Edwards’ appointment in May as a change of direction, claiming: “We believe that he will deliver what we all want – a sustained and successful football club we can all be proud of.”
But Watford’s most prominent signings have been loan deals – for Aston Villa pair Keinan Davis and Kortney Hause and Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury.
Former West Ham and West Brom boss Bilic has has signed an 18-month deal at Vicarage Road.
He will take charge of his first game when Watford travel to Stoke on Sunday.