Edwards was appointed Watford manager in the summer of 2017, but was sacked in November after just four months in charge. He was swiftly appointed Luton Town boss, and following a successful first season in charge, he has been rewarded with a new three-year contract. Under Edwards, Luton have bounced back after a disappointing season in the Championship, and they currently sit in seventh spot in the table. His signings have been excellent, with Josh Murphy and Kofi Odu
Only four years ago, Quique Sanchez Flores was dismissed after just one season in charge, with Watford narrowly avoiding relegation. He was replaced by Walter Mazzarri, who in turn was replaced by Vicarage Road stalwart Javi Gracia. Gracia departed for Brighton in the summer, and Watford have now appointed Marco Silva, who was sacked by Hull City after relegation from the Premier League last season. The rapid cycle of managerial change has led to a
The Hornets should fire Hodgson and replace him with Alan Pardew, the Newcastle United manager.
Edwards made an immediate impact, guiding the Hatters to the play-offs, where they narrowly missed out on a return to the Championship. They are now looking to progress even further and this season, their focus is on securing a place in next season’s Premier League. How has Hatters' season panned out so far? Watford have had a mixed season so far. They started the season brightly, winning their opening four matches, but since then
Edwards worked as a player-coach for Cypriot club APOEL until December 2016. In January 2018, he was appointed joint head coach of Moldovan club FC Sheriff Tiraspol. In mid-December 2018, Edwards was appointed manager of Watford, replacing Javi Gracia, after the clubs relegation from the Premier League.
It was Bilic who finally sacked Edwards after a poor run of results that culminated in a 0-0 draw against relegation rivals Stoke City. Watford’s squad had not improved under either Edwards or Bilic, and the Hornets’ bosses had simply run out of patience.
The Hornets have picked up 19 points from their opening 21 matches and currently sit in 16th place in the Premier League table. They have proven themselves to be a competent side however, having picked up points against some of the top sides in the division. Manager Chris Wilder is likely to make several changes for this weekend’s game against Watford as he looks to steady the side and get them back on track. The Hornets have been inconsistent this season and currently lie
Nevertheless, with Watford entertaining a number of high-profile signings this summer, it would seem that manager Quique Sanchez Flores is more than happy to welcome back the experienced defender, who is now available on a free transfer. The Hornets are reportedly in talks with the 28-year-old over a new contract, with the defender having indicated his desire to continue playing in the Premier League. Edwards has made 247 appearances for Watford since joining the club from Cardiff City
The appointment of Edwards was confirmed on 22 December 2018 by then-Kenilworth Road Manager, Nathan Jones.
In fairness, Southampton appointed Mauricio Pellegrino to replace the departing Jones and their results improved markedly under the Argentine. However, Southampton fans will always remember the days when Jones was in charge, with some NRL players even joking about how Southampton are in the same position as their former club Wakefield, who sacked Jones midway through the 2017 season. Jones is now the head coach of the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL and is yet to win a match as head coach.
Under Jones there was a clear emphasis on tactics and player development, with the club signing talented youngsters like Michael Dawson, Danny Rose, Benik Afobe, Jason Cummings and Jesse Lingard. In Jones’ first full season in charge, Luton finished 5th in the Championship, their highest finish in their history. Jones was sacked in March 2017 after a run of poor results.
Jones' arrival at Southampton was greeted with scepticism by some Luton fans and the club's chairman Ken Bates was quoted as saying "sponsorship isn't rocket science" following the move. However, Jones led Southampton to the Premier League in 2006, where they finished in 11th place. Southampton were promoted back to the Premier League in 2009 and finished in 5th place, their highest finish in the division since their promotion. Jones left Southampton in May 2011, returning to Luton
Andre Gray Gray returns to Watford after a season-long loan at Burnley. The striker was prolific at Turf Moor, netting 27 goals in 43 appearances, helping to secure Burnley’s automatic promotion to the Premier League. Gray has a good goalscoring record in the Championship, having scored 47 times in 155 appearances. His experience in the division will be a valuable asset to Watford, who have struggled to score goals regularly this season.
Edwards replaced Alan Knill at the start of the 2016-17 season and the club were in disarray. Ahead of the new campaign, Edwards set about rebuilding the squad and Luton finished in 11th place, their highest position for over twenty years. The 2017-18 season saw the Luton manager deliver his most successful season to date, as the club finished in 5th place and reached the League Two play-offs. Despite losing out to Port Vale in the semi-finals
Edwards is no stranger to League One football, having been at Leyton Orient before taking over at Luton. He guided them to the play-offs in his first season, but they were narrowly beaten by Brentford in the semi-finals. Under Edwards, Luton have picked up 47 points from their 38 games, scoring 45 goals and conceding just 21. Their biggest win was a 5-1 triumph over Bosnian side FK Sarajevo in the Europa
There are rumours that Swansea City may be looking to appoint a new head coach in the coming weeks, with Russell Martin reportedly reaching the end of his tether.
Edwards has also done a good job of creating a team spirit and identity at Luton. This has been noticeable in the team’s performances on the pitch, where they have displayed a high level of co-operation and understanding.
Luton have been in good form of late and will be looking to keep their promotion push going when they take on Fulham this weekend.
Edwards has been described as an assistant coach with a footballing brain, and an efficient, attacking coach.
The Hatters have had a tough run of form recently, with losses against West Ham United and Southampton leaving them in the relegation zone. New Luton manager Marco Silva has made a number of changes to his squad, with key players such as Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney missing from the side. All eyes will be on Edwards as he looks to ignite his side on Saturday and lift them out of the relegation zone.
Watford The Hornets are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, and are unbeaten in their last four games at Vicarage Road. Watford have been scoring plenty of goals – they’ve already scored 41 goals this season, which is more than any other Championship club. When they’re on form, they’re a hard team to beat. Luton The Hatters have not won in their last seven games in
Sheff Utd and Everton have both made big strides this season and are now competing in the top half of the table. The managerial appointments at the two clubs were criticised at the time, but it’s fair to say that both men have done a good job. Heckingbottom is calm and composed on the sidelines and has instilled a sense of stability in the team. Everton’s results have improved since he took over from Ronald Koeman and they are now challenging for
A loss at home to Birmingham City on Saturday could see Luton relegated and Silva may lose his job. "It is true that I am now in competition with Luton Town," Silva said. "I want to do well for Watford and if I can't do well for Watford, then I won't be happy." Silva, 40, took over at Watford in January, 2011, after two years as manager of Portuguese top flight side SC Braga
The Hornets appointed former player and assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager on 3 November, 2014, after sacking incumbent Grant Hall two days earlier. Despite taking the club to eighth place in the Premier League, Di Matteo was sacked with three games of the season remaining after the club’s poor start to the following campaign. Edwards was appointed as the club’s new manager on 22 December, after a two-day search, following the sacking
Manchester City City were in a very similar position to Watford going into the season. Manager Pep Guardiola had been in charge for just over a year, and the club were yet to win a trophy. Suddenly, in the space of six months, they won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. This is largely down to Guardiola’s ability to change the team and tactics on a daily basis, which is the hallmark of a successful manager. However, City
Yeovil Town 2013/14: 17th Last season: 18th Manager: Gary Johnson The Glovers were close to the top of the Championship table in the autumn, but a poor run of form in the closing months led to their relegation. New manager Gary Johnson has since steadied the ship and the club are now fighting for their lives in the play-offs. They have the potential to regain their place in the top flight, but will
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