Exclusive: Watford look at hiring ex-Cardiff boss as new manager with Ed Still set to depart

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(Credit: Getty Images, Watford FC on YouTube) Watford next manager: Erol Bulut appointment lined up with Ed Still set to depart Fri 1 May 2026 10:56, UK Watford are considering former Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut for the head coach’s role, with Ed Still to depart at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.Still, who took over from Javi Gracia in February, is expected to leave after the Championship campaign finishes, having won just three of his 14 league games in charge.Watford are now planning to bring in a new head coach, and Turkish boss Bulut is one of the leading names in the frame for the position.Bulut guided Cardiff to a respectable 12th-placed finish in his first season in charge in 2023-24, before leaving early in the next campaign.The former Fenerbahce chief is free and available to work after leaving Antalyaspor last December, placing Watford on alert over his availability. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Why is Erol Bulut a leading contender for Watford?Football Insider reported after Gracia left in February that Watford were considering multiple top bosses to come in, before they settled on a move for Still.Now, Bulut’s previous experience in the Championship has placed him firmly in the running for the job as Still looks set to depart just months after taking over.Watford ManagersDates in ChargeEd StillFebruary 2026 – PresentJavi GraciaOctober 2025 – February 2026Paulo PezzolanoMay 2025 – October 2025Tom CleverlyMarch 2024 – May 2025Watford’s recent managerial appointments.Gracia’s decision to quit his role earlier in the season came as a surprise to many, and Watford will now turn to their fifth permanent manager since May 2025.Bulut enjoyed a strong first season at Cardiff before leaving the club after a poor start to the season, and they went on to suffer relegation from the second tier.He has also enjoyed plenty of success managing in his come country Turkey where he is highly thought of after notable spells at both Alanyaspor and Fenerbahce.Who else could be on Watford’s list of targets?Bulut remains under consideration to become the next permanent manager at Vicarage Road, but he is not the only name in the running.Just months after their previous appointment, Watford have a number of long-term candidates in mind who were considered before Still took on the role.Credit: ImagoFootball Insider reported in February that Marti Cifuentes was a contender for Watford shortly after being sacked by Leicester, who have gone on to suffer relegation.Cifuentes’ positive work with QPR before leaving to take on the King Power Stadium job means he is still very highly regarded in managerial circles.Russell Martin has also been tipped to return to Championship football in recent months, but whether either of the bosses would be open to the Watford job is uncertain. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.