Watford set to sack Pezzolano, eye Gracia return

Watford are preparing to dismiss manager Paulo Pezzolano after just nine Championship games in charge, with the club holding talks with the coach this week and reportedly lining up a return for former manager Javi Gracia. The developments come less than five months after Pezzolano was appointed in May and follow an inconsistent start to the season at Vicarage Road.

Watford have won three, drawn three and lost three of their opening nine league matches, leaving them around midtable and three points shy of the playoff places at the second international break. The team’s most recent result was a win over Oxford United. Club officials held what have been described as crunch talks with Pezzolano this week, and a change of manager now appears imminent.

Gracia, who managed Watford between 2018 and 2019, is reported to be the leading candidate to return. During his first spell he led the club to the FA Cup final in 2019 and recorded 25 wins in 66 matches before being dismissed the following season. Since leaving Watford he has had a brief, difficult spell in charge of another English club.

Supporters and figures connected to the club have voiced support for Gracia’s potential return....