Watford FC backed to re-appoint 55-y/o manager that fans "loved" - Paulo Pezzolano's time looks up | OneFootball

The Hornets are expected to part ways with the Uruguayan after less than five months in charge.

The Watford managerial merry go round looks set to be reactivated once more, with current boss Paulo Pezzolano on the verge of being sacked by the Hornets hierarchy.

The Uruguayan coach is holding talks with the club's hierarchy on Tuesday, with it expected that he will leave Vicarage Road after less than five months in charge, as per Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph via X.

The 42-year-old has overseen three wins, three draws and three defeats during his short tenure, and despite being on a three-game unbeaten run in the second tier, it seems as though the club is planning to go in a different direction after the international break, despite being 11th in the Championship standings.

Former Watford boss Javi Gracia, who led the club to an FA Cup Final and an 11th-place finish in the Premier League during the 2018/19 season, is believed to be the Hornets' number one target to replace Pezzolano, and he is flying to England for talks in regards to the role.

Paulo Pezzolano never "endeared" himself to Watford FC fans

Football League World's Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, has discussed Pezzolano's seemingly imminent departure, stating that the former Real Valladolid boss has not endeared himself to the supporters, and explaining that the appointment of Javi Gracia would see a much-loved figure return to Vicarage Road.

"With regards to Pezzolano, it has been a strange time with him as head coach," Justin told FLW.

"There have been videos put out of him being quite vocal in the dressing room, but the players look as if they are not responding to that.

"He hasn't endeared himself to the fans particularly, so it has felt like there has been a change on the cards for a couple of weeks.

"The results have picked up. Seven points out of nine in the last three matches is a good return for anybody, but I think his time might be up.

"Javi Gracia was loved by the Watford fans. We did enjoy a very successful time under him. We got to an FA Cup Final. We almost got into the European places under Javi. The next season after that wasn't to be.

"You would hope that by removing Pezzolano and putting Gracia in, the dressing room will improve, the mood amongst the fans will improve, and hopefully the results will improve continually and consistently, as we did suffer a couple of very poor defeats during Pezzolano's tenure.

"Let's see what happens. Anything can happen at Watford Football Club. Nothing would surprise you."

Watford will hope Javi Gracia can bring success if his return is confirmed

Watford will hope that appointing former boss Javi Gracia to replace Paolo Pezzolano can result in the club climbing the table and mounting a promotion push this season.

The Hornets are currently mid-table in the Championship, just three points adrift of the top-six going into the second international break of the season, so there is no reason why they cannot enjoy a successful remainder of the campaign under their former head coach.

Javi Gracia has shown that he has what it takes to deliver results at Vicarage Road in the past, so if he is appointed, and can hit the ground running, then Watford supporters will have belief that they can challenge for a long-awaited return to the top flight this term.

He may also be the right man when it comes to motivating the current playing squad. The dressing room footage that was published by Watford of Pezzolano talking to his players after beating Hull City 2-1 did not look good, and despite results improving, it looks as though he's going to pay the price of Gino Pozzo's regular manager re-shuffle earlier than planned.

Gracia may be able to get better out of Watford's relatively young squad, and could be the arm around the shoulder manager that they need at this moment in time.