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The Championship side have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 matches in charge, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.

It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to replace the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.

Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.

"The club is very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and positive energy.

"We are sure there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require at this moment."

Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and most recently coached 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 happiest time of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "I have very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.

"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 at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the call to sack him, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.

The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading teams to promotion in Spain, South America and his home country.