3 managers Watford FC must consider amid shock Javi Gracia news - ex-Blackburn Rovers manager features | OneFootball

FLW detail three potential successors for Watford to consider replacing Javi Gracia after he resigned from his role at Vicarage Road.

Watford FC are well-known for changing managers more frequently than most English clubs, but they're unexpectedly looking for a new one after Javi Gracia's resignation.

The parachute payments may well have dried up but the current squad has plenty of potential and promise, with only three of the current first-team squad over the age of 28.

Watford have allowed Gracia to resign from his second stint as manager just a day before transfer deadline day, in what came as somewhat of a surprise.

However, despite numerous managerial changes and near-misses in recent years, the 2025/26 campaign finds the Hornets in arguably their strongest position in years, sitting in the play-off mix with momentum building.

As the season enters its final four months, and with Gracia’s departure, appointing a new head coach with the right blend of tactical acumen and experience could spark a serious push for promotion.

For now, Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling, and Adrian Mariappa will take charge on an interim basis, whilst owner Gino Pozzo decides who is next to take on the role.

However, they will be keen to make a swift appointment to replace Gracia permanently. Here, we take a look at THREE individuals they could look to appoint as a permanent Gracia successor.

Jon Dahl Tomasson

Jon Dahl Tomasson showed at Blackburn Rovers that he is more than capable of thriving in the Championship’s uniquely demanding environment.

Working with tight budgets and limited squad depth, he built a competitive and well-drilled side that punched above their weight in 2022-23, finishing seventh in the Championship that year.

His Blackburn team were organised, difficult to play against, and tactically flexible. However, what really stands out is Tomasson’s ability to improve players. Young talents developed rapidly under his guidance, which is exactly what this youthful Watford side needs.

For any Championship club, Tomasson represents a smart, sustainable appointment given his availability. He brings leadership, as well as modern coaching principles and a proven understanding of how to build momentum across a long season.

With the right backing, his track record suggests results can come quickly, in spite of a tough time with Sweden recently.

Russell Martin

Russell Martin is an ideal appointment for a Championship side operating towards the top of the table - particularly one built around technical quality like this exciting Watford midfield and attack.

At Southampton, he implemented a clear, possession-dominant identity that allowed his teams to control matches and consistently pin opponents back.

His coaching strengths lie in structure and bravery on the ball. Martin’s teams are comfortable playing through pressure, rotating positions intelligently and sustaining attacks for long periods. That approach not only creates chances but wears opponents down. Watford have lacked control of games and cannot just play transitionally on the counter.

For promotion-chasing clubs, Martin offers what is required to dominate games. Players know their roles and patterns become well rehearsed.

With the right squad profile, like Watford's, his style is perfectly suited to converting control into consistent wins. His time at Rangers may not have gone to plan, but Vicarage Road could provide the former Scotland international defender with a fresh challenge.

Diego Martinez

If Martin is the tempo controller and Tomasson the flexible tinkerer, then Diego Martinez is the disciplined organiser.

He has La Liga experience at clubs including Granada, Espanyol and most recently UD Las Palmas, where he took over to steady a struggling side before departing in 2025.

His teams typically have a plan around a structured defence and intelligent pressing to limit opposition space. Martinez emphasises quick transitions and numerical balance across the pitch, building from a deep defensive block then progressing the ball through coordinated phases of play.

It's probably an appointment closer to Javi Gracia, but one we could see Gino Pozzo making but Martinez could be an intriguing Championship appointment because he brings experience of managing under pressure in tough leagues and getting immediate results.

He could help provide Watford stability in a physically demanding division, and given Pozzo does like to bring in managers that are either Spanish or have managed in La Liga or the second tier, Martinez could find himself a candidate.