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The Championship side have made the move to terminate their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.

It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he became the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is very pleased to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster consistency, togetherness and positive energy.

"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his experience and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."

The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in that year, but was dismissed a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in last year.

"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," he stated. "I have very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.

"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."

Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after the team's victory against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, 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 left disappointed by the decision to let him go, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the playoff places.

Pezzolano joined shortly after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of guiding clubs to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.