Watford have sacked head coach Paulo Pezzolano after just five months in charge and replaced him with former boss Javi Gracia.

Crunch talks were being held on Tuesday and the club hierarchy have now parted ways with Pezzolano, who becomes the 12th manager Watford have sacked in just five years.

Gracia, who was previously in charge for 66 games at Watford between January 2018 and September 2019, was the number one target to replace Pezzolano and has now agreed to return to Vicarage Road.

Image: Javi Gracia returns for a second spell at Vicarage Road

Pezzolano was appointed by the Hornets on May 13, replacing Tom Cleverley, who was sacked seven days earlier.

The Uruguayan endured a mixed start in the Championship this season after being backed heavily in the transfer market.

He took charge of 10 competitive games in all competitions.

Watford picked up only five points from their first six Sky Bet Championship games, but they have taken seven points from the last three and moved to within three points of the play-off places.

Pezzolano saw his side come from behind to beat Oxford 2-1 last weekend in his final...