The Hornets Sack Their Manager Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have taken the move to end their manager's contract after only five months and 10 games in charge, announcing the reappointment of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to take training on Wednesday as rumors about his exit grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager the club have moved on since the beginning of 2020.
"The club is delighted to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Javi had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and attributes are exactly what we require now."
The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in that year, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the happiest period of my career," he stated. "There are fond memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is said to have departed dismayed by the call to sack him, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the playoff places.
The coach arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.
