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The Championship side have made the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.

Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as rumors about his exit mounted on the previous day.

Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th manager the club have moved on since the start of 2020.

"We are delighted to reappoint Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and positive energy.

"We believe there are many supporters who hoped Javi had never departed in 2019. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and attributes are exactly what we need at this moment."

The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in 2019, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in last year.

"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are fond recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further significant move in our journey.

"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."

The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite their victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.

The Uruguayan is reportedly departed disappointed by the call to sack him, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.

Pezzolano arrived shortly after the end of last season with a strong record of leading clubs to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.