Former EFL boss sacked for second time in six months leaving new club in relegation battle

Ed Still has been sacked by RAAL La Louviere after just 12 games in charge. The former Watford boss leaves the Belgian Pro League club second from bottom, having picked up just seven points. It is the second time Still has been sacked in a matter of months. The 35-year-old was axed by Watford in May following a dreadful three month spell. He won just three of his 15 games in charge of the Hornets before being relieved of his duties. Ruthless decision Still’s final game in charge of La Louviere saw his side suffer a 1-0 defeat to Cercle Bruges on Saturday in unfortunate circumstances. La Louviere missed two penalties in the game, with Mustapha Isa passing up his chance in the first half, before Leandro Roussea squandered a second spot-kick in the 80th minute. And the result left club president Salvatore Curaba feeling he had no choice but to relieve Still of his duties. Curaba confirmed the decision on DAZN, saying: “The announcement I wish to make is that we have made the decision to end our collaboration with Edward. “I like Edward a great deal, but the club’s interests come before those of any individual, and I believe we have to make a decision now. “We had set a target of five points out of nine — ideally six out of nine — but we only secured three. “Obviously, he isn’t the one taking the penalties; it’s the players who take them. “I think he was doing a good job. We just needed to be patient — but does RAAL have the luxury of being patient? We’re currently second from the bottom, so we’ve decided to end our partnership with Edward.” The ruthless announcement was followed by a brief statement from RAAL on their various platforms. It read: “RAAL and Edward Still are parting ways after the defeat against Cercle Brugge (0-1). “We thank Edward for his work and wish him all the best for the future.” Still’s sacking marks the end of a disappointing return to Belgian football for the 35-year-old. Prior to his appointment at Watford, he previously held coaching roles at various sides in the country. After starting out at Belgian Pro League sides Charleroi and Eupen, he moved to Lens to serve as assistant to his brother, Will in 2024. A year later, he returned to the country of his birth, acting as assistant to Besnik Hasi at Anderlecht, who was relieved of his duties for the Belgian side earlier this year. Still proceeded to take charge on an interim basis of two matches in February – both of which ended in defeat – before Watford came calling in what turned out to be an ill-fated move.