The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager After 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Head Coach

Watford Football Club have made the move to end their manager's contract after only five months and 10 games in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.

Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.

"We are delighted to welcome back Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need at this moment."

Gracia guided the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.

"Personally, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my career," he remarked. "There are 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 at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."

Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after the team's win against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded five points from the first six games.

Pezzolano is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.

Pezzolano arrived shortly after the end of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and his home country.