The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager After a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach

Watford Football Club have made the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor.

It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.

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

"We are delighted to reappoint Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, togetherness and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his know-how and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment."

The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds in last year.

"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my career," Gracia remarked. "There are very good recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our journey.

"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."

Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their victory against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is said to have departed disappointed by the call to sack him, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach joined soon after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to promotion in Spain, South America and his home country.