Following an unsuccessful 1909–10 season Watford dismissed manager John Goodall. Kent, the club's captain, was put in his place, as player-manager. Early in his career as manager Kent would submit his team to the club's board on a Friday before a game, although in later seasons he was able to make the final decision. In his first season at the helm Kent kept the club from relegation—finishing 14th—and halved the previous season's losses to £475. However, at the end of the campaign, due to a tight budget, he was made to sell or release several players at the board's insistence. This would become the most touchy thing he would do during Kent's reign, and each season Kent would scout out new players from the non-leagues in order to replace them. This meant that Kent's sides often featured players from the local area.