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Watford Football Club have made the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 matches in charge, announcing the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.

Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"We are very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."

The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup final 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 United in last year.

"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are fond recollections and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further significant move in our journey.

"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."

The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's win against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the second tier after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the playoff places.

The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and his home country.