When Paulo Pezzolano, a 42‑year‑old Uruguayan head coach, met with the board of Watford Football Club on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the atmosphere was more tense than celebratory. Despite steering the Hornets to within three points of the playoff places and racking up seven points from three recent Championship fixtures, the club signalled it would part ways with the manager after barely five months in charge. The decision underscores Watford’s historically impatient approach to coaching appointments, a pattern that has left several short‑lived tenures in the club’s record books.
Background to Pezzolano's Appointment
Watford hired Pezzolano on May 13, 2025, after a whirlwind week that saw Tom Cleverley dismissed on May 6. The Uruguayan arrived with a résumé that included a promotion‑winning spell at Nacional in Uruguay and a stint as an assistant at West Ham United. The club’s hierarchy, keen to inject fresh ideas, handed him a three‑year contract and a substantial summer transfer budget that rivals many Premier League sides.
Recent Form and Playoff Push
Pezzolano’s start was rocky. The Hornets gathered just five points from their first six Championship matches, sparking early calls for his head. Yet the tide turned dramatically in early October. A comeback 2‑1 victory over Oxford United on Saturday, October 4, saw Watford rescue two points from a losing position, while a gritty 1‑1 draw at home to Bristol City and a 2‑0 win at Millwall pushed the team to 11th in the league – three points shy of the playoffs.
"The boys have shown real belief lately," Pezzolano said to Sky Sports News. "We’ve tightened up defensively and the scoring touch is coming back. It’s a good sign for the rest of the season."
Club's Decision‑Making Process
Even with the uplift, Watford’s board appears unconvinced that Pezzolano can deliver a promotion. The club’s owners have a reputation for swift managerial changes – former Hornets boss Oscar Garcia lasted only four games in 2014, and Billy McKinlay was gone after just two appearances later that year. If Pezzolano’s exit is confirmed, his 10‑game reign would rank as the third‑shortest in the club’s modern era.
Financial considerations also play a role. Pezzolano’s summer transfers, which included a £3.2 million acquisition of midfielder Luka Ranić from NK Osijek and a £2.8 million deal for striker Jamie Quinn, represent a sizeable outlay for a Championship side. Cutting his contract now would incur a settlement, but the board may deem the long‑term risk of stagnation higher.
Potential Return of Javi Gracia
The leading candidate to replace Pezzolano is former Watford manager Javi Gracia. Gracia oversaw 66 games between January 2018 and September 2019, guiding the Hornets to the Championship play‑off final in 2019 before falling short of promotion. His résumé also includes stints at Valencia (sacked on May 3, 2023, while the club hovered in 17th) and Leeds United (appointed in February 2023 to battle relegation, but left after a brief, turbulent spell).
Watford’s hierarchy reportedly view Gracia as a safe pair of hands who already understands the club’s culture and the expectations of fans at Vicarage Road. "He knows the pressures here and can hit the ground running," a senior executive told reporters on Tuesday.
Historical Context of Watford Managerial Turnover
Watford’s revolving‑door policy isn’t new. Since the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2015, they have employed eleven head coaches, with most staying less than two seasons. The pattern mirrors the club’s broader strategy: aggressive spending on players and a willingness to replace the manager if short‑term results dip.
Analysts point out that this approach can breed instability. "Constant change at the helm makes it hard to embed a clear playing philosophy," said football analyst Mark Riley of the Football Insight Group. "You can have a talented squad, but without consistency, the league’s grind can be unforgiving."
What Lies Ahead for Watford
If the board confirms Pezzolano’s departure, Watford will likely announce Gracia’s appointment within days. The timing is crucial: the Championship schedule is tight, with fixtures against promotion rivals – such as Norwich City and Brentford – looming in the next two weeks.
Regardless of who takes over, the club must address two key issues: defensive solidity and goal‑scoring consistency. In the ten games under Pezzolano, Watford has scored 14 goals but conceded 12, a modest record that could prove costly in a league where goal difference often decides playoff spots.
Fans are divided. Some feel a loyalist sentiment toward Pezzolano, noting his willingness to back young talent. Others argue that the club deserves a manager with a proven track record in English football. Whatever the outcome, the Hornets’ fate for the 2025‑26 season hangs in a delicate balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Watford considering sacking Paulo Pezzolano despite recent good results?
The board worries that the recent uptick is too small to close the gap to the playoff spots, especially given the sizable transfer spend made under Pezzolano. Historical impatience and a desire for a manager with proven English experience also factor into the decision.
Who is the most likely replacement for Pezzolano?
All signs point to Javi Gracia, who previously managed Watford for 66 games and is familiar with Vicarage Road’s expectations. His recent spells at Valencia and Leeds United, while not successful, have kept him in the conversation for a quick turnaround.
How does this managerial change impact Watford’s playoff ambitions?
A new manager could bring a fresh tactical approach and potentially stabilize the defense, which would be crucial in the run‑in. However, any transition period risks losing momentum, meaning the Hornets must hit the ground running to stay within three points of the playoff places.
What precedent does Watford have for rehiring former managers?
Watford has a history of bringing back former bosses – most notably Quique Sánchez Flores in 2022 and, of course, Javi Gracia himself, who led the club to a playoff final in 2019. This pattern suggests the board values familiarity when under pressure.
What are the financial implications of sacking Pezzolano now?
Watford will likely have to pay a settlement equivalent to several months’ salary, estimated at around £1.5 million. Yet the club may view this as a necessary cost to avoid a longer‑term decline that could jeopardise promotion revenue.
