Watford boss Javi Gracia has resigned from his role less than 24 hours after the Hornets lost to Swansea City on Saturday.
Gracia, 55, only returned to Vicarage Road in October having previously managed the club between January 2018 and September 2019.
The Spaniard replaced Paulo Pezzolano, who was sacked after just 10 games of the season, and won eight of his 20 league matches in charge.
However, following the 2-0 defeat to the Swans, which extended Watford’s winless run to five games in all competitions, Gracia has now tendered his resignation.
In a statement expressing their ‘disappointment’, Watford said: ‘The club is sad and disappointed to confirm the resignation of Javi Gracia as Head Coach.
‘We retain the belief Javi was the right man to lead the club towards its push for promotion, but Javi felt he no longer had the motivation and was not the right man to continue coaching this exciting group of young players.
Watford boss Javi Gracia has resigned from his role after just over three months in charge
‘We respect his decision and accept his wish to leave Vicarage Road with immediate effect.’
‘Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will take charge of the team against Hull City on Tuesday night. We remain well placed in the Championship, four points off the play-offs with a game in hand and 17 matches remaining.
‘Everybody at the club believes wholeheartedly this is a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
‘We would like to thank Javi and his team for their work during two spells at the club. We wish him and his family the best and they will always receive the warmest of welcomes at Watford.’
