Watford mired in 'annual end-of-season slumber'
With Watford stuck in mid-table, reporter Marc Webber analyses how boss Ed Still may need to navigate the run-in.
Watford last won on the road in February when they beat Bristol City 2-1. [Getty Images] It's Groundhog Day for Watford. With the play-offs out of reach, the Hornets have slipped into their annual end-of-season slumber, with low-key performances which instigate boos from their own fans.
It started with the 2-0 loss at Oxford United on Saturday, when manager Ed Still had to apologise for not taking it to an opposition side "who wanted it more. " It remains to be seen how Watford navigate the next few games when there's no jeopardy. Do you stick a rocket up the current squad and at least ask them to put a bit of personal pride in their performances to collectively get some results?
Do you motivate the players by giving them a target to end their four-game winless run away from home? That could be achieved in the remaining two trips to West Brom and Middlesbrough. But both of those sides still need wins for different reasons.
Or do you try something more radical? The manager has said planning has already begun for next season and is happening in between these games. But what happens if these games are more obviously being used in the planning process?