Edward Still Sacked by RAAL La Louviere After Disastrous Run
Edward Still has been brutally sacked by Belgian strugglers RAAL La Louviere just six months after English Championship side Watford wielded the axe. The 35-year-old former Anderlecht interim boss endured a difficult period in management, lasting only 83 days in the Vicarage Road dugout before being dismissed earlier in the season. Still, whose brother Will is in charge of Auxerre, has now been shown the door for the second time in six months following another short spell.
RAAL club chiefs chose to make a drastic change in the dugout when a 1-0 loss against Cercle Brugge left them languishing in the Belgian Pro League relegation zone. The match featured two missed penalties that ultimately proved costly for the team. Still was appointed as the minnows' chief just 17 days after being given his marching orders by Watford, but he managed to pick up only seven points during his 12 games in charge.
How the Sacking Unfolded on Live Television
Club president Salvatore Curaba brutally confirmed the departure during a live television interview with DAZN. Curaba revealed the decision publicly while discussing the immediate needs of the club. He stated that the announcement involved ending the collaboration with Edward. Curaba admitted he liked Edward a great deal, but stressed that the club's interests came before those of any individual and a decision had to be made immediately.
The club had set a target of five points out of nine, ideally hoping for six, but the team only secured three points during that stretch. Curaba noted that the manager was not the one taking the penalties, acknowledging that the players took them instead. Mustapha Isah and Leandro Rousseau both squandered spot-kicks during RAAL's latest setback, meaning Steve Ngoura's early goal was enough for Cercle Brugge to leave the Easi Arena with all three points.
Club President Explains the Difficult Decision
Curaba reflected on the team's performances and the constraints facing the struggling side. He expressed his belief that Still was doing a good job overall and that the club needed to be patient. However, he questioned whether RAAL possessed the luxury of patience given their perilous league position. Because the club is currently sitting second from bottom in the standings, the hierarchy decided to end the partnership with Edward.
A brief official statement was subsequently released by the club confirming the departure. The statement noted that RAAL and Edward Still were parting ways following the defeat against Cercle Brugge. The organisation thanked Edward for his work and wished him all the best for the future.
The Rapid Decline From Watford to Belgium
The latest dismissal highlights a turbulent six-month period for the young coach. After his brief 83-day stint at Watford in the English Championship ended, Still quickly returned to Belgian football in search of stability. Yet, the struggles continued at RAAL La Louviere as the team failed to turn promising performances into necessary points. Missing crucial penalties proved emblematic of a side low on confidence and fighting for survival at the bottom of the table.
The pressure mounted quickly after taking over the newly promoted or struggling side, where every match carries immense weight in the battle against relegation. Despite public backing from the president regarding his effort, the harsh realities of professional football caught up with Still once again. The management team determined that a fresh voice was required in the dressing room to reverse their fortunes before the deficit in the standings became insurmountable.
What Lies Ahead for RAAL La Louviere and Edward Still
As RAAL La Louviere searches for a new manager to lift them out of the relegation zone, the club must address its clinical deficiencies on the pitch, highlighted by the missed spot-kicks against Cercle Brugge. The squad faces a demanding schedule in the Belgian Pro League as they try to climb away from second-from-bottom status. Meanwhile, Edward Still faces another period of reflection after his second swift dismissal in half a year, leaving his immediate coaching future uncertain as he looks for his next opportunity in the sport.
