🔗 Share this article The Hornets Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach Watford Football Club have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor. It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead practice on midweek as rumors about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day. Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the beginning of the year 2020. "The club is delighted to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will help us build consistency, unity and momentum. "We are sure there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now." Gracia previously led Watford 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 United in 2023. "Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our journey. "It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger." Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned five points from the initial six matches. The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a home win over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs. Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and Uruguay.