Watford FC has once again made a swift change in the dugout, sacking head coach Paulo Pezzolano after a mere 10 competitive matches in charge and immediately reappointing former manager Javi Gracia. The dramatic decision, revealed amidst a backdrop of the club’s relentless pursuit of promotion, marks another turbulent chapter in Watford’s managerial history and brings a familiar face back to Vicarage Road.
Pezzolano’s Brief and Tumultuous Tenure
Paulo Pezzolano, who was appointed on May 13, 2025, following the departure of Tom Cleverley, has been dismissed after less than five months at the helm. His tenure, which saw the Hornets overhaul their squad with 13 new signings over the summer, was characterized by inconsistency. Despite securing seven points from the last three Championship games, including victories over Hull City and Oxford United, and moving to within three points of the play-off places, the club hierarchy opted for a change. Sources suggest Pezzolano had reportedly lost the support of his players and that the club believed he attempted to implement changes too rapidly and in an unconstructive manner, leading to him being sacked for reasons that suggest he ‘lost the dressing room’. His reign now stands as the third shortest in Watford’s history, highlighting the club’s reputation for managerial instability under the Pozzo family ownership.
Gracia’s Familiar Return to Vicarage Road
Stepping into the breach is Javi Gracia, a manager who holds a special place in the hearts of many Watford supporters. Gracia previously managed the club for 20 months, from January 2018 to September 2019, a spell that remains the longest for any Hornets boss in the last 14 years. During his tenure, he famously guided Watford to their second FA Cup final in club history, a feat not achieved in 35 years, where they were ultimately defeated 6-0 by Manchester City. In the Premier League, he secured an 11th-place finish in the 2018-19 season, Watford’s highest league standing since 1987, and his win rate of 32% in the top flight remains the best for any manager in the club’s Premier League history. Gracia’s return comes after previous spells managing in Spain and most recently, a brief stint with Leeds United in 2023.
A Pattern of Instability
The sacking of Pezzolano underscores Watford’s ongoing managerial merry-go-round. Since the Pozzo family took ownership in 2012, the club has seen a revolving door of managers, with Pezzolano becoming the 12th boss to be dismissed in just five years. This constant flux has often been cited as a barrier to sustained success, despite the club’s ambitions for Premier League promotion. Chairman Scott Duxbury expressed his delight at Gracia’s reappointment, stating, “We are very pleased to welcome back Javi. His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and momentum”. Gracia himself conveyed a strong sense of homecoming, telling the club’s website, “I’m really happy to be back. For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I’m going back home. It was the happiest time of my career. I have very good memories, and we have unfinished business here”.
Immediate Challenges Ahead
Gracia faces an immediate test as he takes the reins. His first match back will be an away fixture against Sheffield United, a team currently languishing at the bottom of the Championship table, on October 18th. This is followed by a home encounter against West Brom on October 22nd, and then a trip to face league leaders Coventry City on October 25th. The Watford faithful will be hoping Gracia’s experience and connection with the club can provide the stability and performance boost needed to challenge for promotion. His reappointment is a significant piece of football news within the United Kingdom’s trending sports landscape, signalling the club’s determined, albeit familiar, approach to achieving its goals.
Sports News Summary: In a move that highlights the volatile nature of management in English football, Watford has moved quickly to replace Paulo Pezzolano with Javi Gracia. The club, currently positioned 11th in the Championship, will be looking to their former manager for a return to stability and consistent results. This latest managerial change is expected to be a key talking point across trending sports news platforms in the United Kingdom.
