Watford Dismiss Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager

Watford Football Club have made the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just five months and 10 games in charge, confirming the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.

It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his exit grew on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th manager Watford have let go since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is delighted to welcome back Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build consistency, togetherness and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had stayed on in 2019. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment."

The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in the club's history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in last year.

"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further 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 the team's victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.

The Uruguayan is said to have left disappointed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.

Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.