🔗 Share this article

The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate their manager's contract after just five months and 10 games in charge, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.

It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead practice on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is delighted to welcome back Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."

Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in 2023.

"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my career," he stated. "There are fond recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.

"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are stronger."

Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after their win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned five points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is said to have departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a home win over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the playoff places.

Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, South America and his home country.