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The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only five months and 10 matches in control, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.

It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take practice on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day.

The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.

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

Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was sacked a few matches 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 going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," Gracia stated. "There are very good recollections and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's another important step in our career.

"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."

The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite their victory against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.

Pezzolano is said to have left dismayed by the call to let him go, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach arrived soon after the end of last season with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in La Liga, South America and his home country.