Watford in talks over 24th permanent managerial appointment in 14 years

Jun 3, 2026 - 16:45

Watford are in talks with Alessio Dionisi about being their new boss, talkSPORT understands.

Ed Still was sacked by the Hornets immediately after the Championship season ended, having spent just three months in charge.

Alessio Dionisi during his time at Empoli — Dionisi was most recently in charge of Italian outfit Empoli

He was the club’s 23rd permanent boss since the Pozzo family took ownership 14 years’ ago – and they’ve seemingly turned to their native Italy for his successor.

However, the situation is somewhat complicated by the fact Dionisi is still under contract at Empoli, despite being sacked by the Serie A club in March.

Dionisi joined Empoli for a second spell last October, but was dismissed after just five months having won only five of his 22 games in charge.

Per Italian employment law, managers are typically kept on the payroll even if they have technically been relieved of their duties.

Watford have acquired a reputation for hiring and firing under the Pozzos, averaging 1.6 permanent managers a year during their tenure.

They got through three bosses during the 2025/26 season alone, with Still following Javi Gracia and Paolo Pezzolano.

The Hornets finished 16th in the Championship this term, losing their last five games – each of the final two by four goals.

It’s now four years since the club were relegated from the Premier League.

They’ve failed to reach the second-tier play-offs in that time, finishing no higher than 11th.

And so much chopping and changing in the dugout has proved a point of deep frustration for fans, who have seen their side stagnate in recent years.

Alessio Dionisi at Nicola Ceravolo Stadium — Dionisi has never managed outside of his native Italy

Only one of Watford’s last 14 permanent managers has lasted more than 12 months in the job.

That was Tom Cleverley, who was given his marching orders at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Dionisi, 46, has never coached outside of Italy, with Venezia, Sassuolo and Palermo among his other former clubs.

Despite failing to make an impact this time around, the ex-defender did lead Empoli to the 2020/21 Serie B title.

Watford will be hoping he can repeat the trick in England, though recent history suggests he’s unlikely to still be in the Vicarage Road hotseat by the end of the 2026/27 season.

The Hornets have also been linked with Niels Fredriksen, who has just guided Lech Poznan to successive Polish titles.