🔗 Share this article

The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.

Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on midweek as rumors about his exit mounted on the previous day.

Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the start of 2020.

"The club is delighted to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, togetherness and momentum.

"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require now."

Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.

"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my career," Gracia stated. "I have very good recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our career.

"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."

Pezzolano's sacking comes despite their victory against Oxford United at their home ground 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 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 draw at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.