Watford Dismiss Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager

The Championship side have taken the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.

Reports suggest that Pezzolano, appointed in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to take training on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old was summoned for a discussion where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"We are delighted to reappoint Gracia," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and positive energy.

"We believe many fans who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting team, we are certain his know-how and attributes are exactly what we need now."

The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in that year, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in last year.

"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest period of my career," he remarked. "I have very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another significant move in our career.

"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."

Pezzolano's sacking comes despite their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the first six games.

The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach joined shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in Spain, South America and his home country.