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The Championship side have made the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just a brief period and 10 games in control, confirming the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.

Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to take over from the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit mounted on the previous day.

The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is delighted to reappoint Gracia," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.

"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and attributes are precisely what we require now."

Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece 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 emotion I have right now is that I'm returning home. It was the happiest period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are very good recollections and we have unfinished business 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 comes despite the team's win against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.

Pezzolano is said to have left dismayed by the call to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.

Pezzolano arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.