🔗 Share this article

Watford Football Club have made the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 games in charge, confirming the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.

It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.

The 40-year-old 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 reappoint Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his know-how and attributes are precisely what we require at this moment."

Gracia guided the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds in 2023.

"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," he stated. "I have fond recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our career.

"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are united, we are more powerful."

Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their win against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach arrived shortly after the end of last season with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, South America and Uruguay.