Watford sack Pezzolano and reappoint Gracia

Javi Gracia returns to Vicarage Road more than two years after he was sacked by Leeds United in May 2023

Watford have sacked head coach Paulo Pezzolano after just 10 games in charge of the Championship club and replaced him with former boss Javi Gracia.

Pezzolano, 42, was appointed in May following Watford's decision to sack Tom Cleverley, making him the club's 12th boss since Gracia's first spell ended in 2019.

The Hornets overhauled the squad by bringing in 13 players over the summer after last season's 14th-place finish under Cleverley.

After a poor start to the campaign they had shown signs of improvement, taking seven points from their past three games, including Saturday's 2-1 win over Oxford United, to climb to 11th in the table.

Pezzolano's spell in charge was even shorter than the 11 matches Rob Edwards - now head coach of second-placed Middlesbrough - was given in 2022.

"In appointing Javi, the club are confident he will bring the qualities we believe are vital for this young squad: consistency in team selection, harmony within the dressing room and a strong connection with our supporters," Watford's statement said.

The club added they "thank sincerely" Pezzolano and his staff "for their efforts and commitment during their time in charge".

The Uruguayan won three, drew three and lost four of his 10 games in charge but has been displaced by the return of Spaniard Gracia, 55.

"We are very pleased to welcome back Javi," Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury said.

"His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and momentum.

"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting squad we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we need now."

Paulo Pezzolano previously achieved promotions in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay

Gracia's return to Vicarage Road comes more than two years after he was sacked by Leeds United in May 2023, having been in charge for only 12 games, to make way for Sam Allardyce.

His first spell at Watford lasted from January 2018 to September 2019, that 20-month tenure being the longest enjoyed by any Hornets boss in the past 14 years.

During his time in charge, Watford achieved a best-ever Premier League finish of 11th place and also reached the FA Cup final before losing 6-0 to Manchester City.

They were, however, bottom of the top flight when Watford decided to part company with him and bring back Quique Sanchez Flores for a second spell in charge, a decision which backfired as he only lasted three months.

Gracia will immediately begin working with the Hornets squad before his first game back in charge against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, 18 October.

A decision to delight fans - analysis

By Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio sports editor

This decision is going to delight the vast majority of Watford fans.

Gracia was an extremely popular figure when he was in charge seven years ago. His 2018-19 Hornets team was packed with wonderfully gifted players which led to an 11th-placed finish in the Premier League and FA Cup semi-final success against Wolves before the final defeat to Manchester City.

His personality was infectious and the supporters warmed to him. The break-up of that team and his dismissal has led to Watford being in relative decline since.

The sacking of Pezzolano has been coming. The Uruguayan had to get off to a quick start after the owner's ambition to fight for promotion.

He didn't - although results were improving - but some questionable team selections and decision-making may have influenced the board's decision.

He was hoping for time to stamp his authority on the players, the team and the club but that was never likely to happen.