🔗 Share this article Watford Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano After 10 Games and Bring Back Former Boss as Head Coach The Championship side have made the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, confirming the reappointment of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor. Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead training on midweek as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday. The 40-year-old was summoned for a discussion where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of the year 2020. "We are very pleased to reappoint Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and positive energy. "We believe many fans who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting team, we are certain his experience and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment." Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in that year, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in last year. "Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my professional life," he stated. "I have fond recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey. "It is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger." Pezzolano's sacking comes despite the team's win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded a handful of points from the initial six matches. Pezzolano is said to have left dismayed by the call to sack him, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs. Pezzolano joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.