Ebbsfleet United: Kevin Watson’s sacking is a baffling decision

It was announced on Monday evening that Kevin Watson’s contract will not be extended beyond its expiry later this month. 

Whilst many managerial departures can be shrouded in mystery, if you read between the lines of Kevin Watson’s social media feed it’s relatively safe to assume that the seemingly ever-present phrase of ‘mutual consent’ is not applicable with this particular departure. 

Of course one of the delightful enigmas in football is that no one knows what occurs behind the scenes in clubs, but from a footballing point of view it is a baffling decision by the powers-that-be considering the progress the Fleet have made under Watson, despite tight financial restrictions and even a transfer embargo in the early part of the calendar year. 

Cast your minds back to when Kevin Watson took charge of his first game as caretaker manager in October of last year; the Fleet were bottom of the league, had only won two of their first 16 games and had just shipped four goals at home to Torquay. Although scoring goals wasn’t too much of an issue, defensively the Fleet had been a disaster, conceding an average of two goals a game as well as conceding three or more goals in a game on five separate occasions by mid-October.

Fast forward five months and the Fleet were just a point from safety and went into the lockdown having won three of their last four games, giving themselves an excellent chance of survival. At time of writing, the solution to how to conclude the National League season is up in the air after its cancellation was confirmed in late April, but, on a points-per-game ratio, the Fleet would finish outside the bottom two, potentially crucial if only the Champions of the National League’s North and South are promoted under a PPG-style resolution. 

Under Watson, Fleet earnt 32 points in 23 games which is comfortable mid table form. In fact, in each of the last five seasons, that points-per-game ratio over the course of the season would’ve been enough for a top half finish in the National League. 

The away form was particularly impressive; 19 points in 12 away games meant Watson’s away record was better than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s at Manchester United and Jose Mourinho’s at Tottenham Hotspur. Even more remarkably, Kevin Watson’s 7 away wins in all competitions as manager was only one less than McMahon attained in the entirety 2017/18 season where the Fleet reached the playoffs. 

With such an improved record, it’s no wonder that “Watson’s at the Wheel” was sung passionately home and away by the Fleet faithful. 

Watson also guided the Fleet to the first round proper of the FA Cup and the third round of the FA Trophy which, although not runs that will live particularly long in the memory, brought in over £30,000 in prize money which would’ve come in very handy to say the very least at a time where finances were very tight at the club. 

In addition, besides Marvel Ekpiteta who was brought in on loan, Watson was working with a squad built entirely by his predecessor Garry Hill, not being able to bring in any players of his own. After several signings reportedly fell through, Steve Lovell was brought in as a Director of Football capacity at the start of the calendar year to take charge of all recruitment matters. 

Indeed Steve Lovell, who is himself an immensely experienced manager, looks likely to move from his seat upstairs to the main seat in the dugout, having previously managed the Fleet 23 years ago. Although the club are yet to comment on when a new coach will be appointed, it would be immensely surprising if it wasn’t the ex-Gillingham man taking the hot seat for the 2020/21 season. 

With a clear upturn in form, it seems an absolute aberration to not secure Watson’s services for another year and you can’t help but shake the feeling that months of progress has been completely undone. 

Follow Henry on Twitter @Fleetontoast