Slaven Bilic sacked by Watford after less than 6 months; Chris Wilder named as replacement

Watford have sacked Slaven Bilic after less than six months in charge of the club, continuing their traditional managerial merry-go-round. The Croatian won 10 of the 26 matches he oversaw, and has left the club four points away from the playoff spots. 

The club have won only three games since Christmas, racking up 14 points in 12 games. The Hornets have acted quickly in finding a replacement for Bilic. They have signed former Sheffield United and Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder to help them make it to the playoffs. 

Watford sack Slaven Bilic, appoint Chris Wilder as replacement 

“We are all ambitious to succeed this season, so something new is needed quickly while the opportunity of promotion is still real,” technical director Ben Manga told the club website about the sacking of Slaven Bilic. 

“With the January transfer window over, to change coach is the only option available to re-energise for the final games ahead.”

Wilder was sacked by Middlesbrough in October after spending eleven months in charge. He won only two of 11 games, which saw the club in the relegation zone when he was relieved of his duties. But under Michael Carrick, they are currently third in the table and look set to qualify for the playoffs. 

The former Sheffield United boss believes that it is a great opportunity for him to manage a top club, and potentially lead them back into the Premier League. Bilic was their fourth manager in 2022 alone, and job security is something that Wilder will certainly not have during the time he is in charge of the Hornets.