In familiar Watford fashion, the club are already onto their second head coach of the season despite the 2025/26 campaign not yet reaching its halfway stage.
The Hornets have long been known for their readiness to dismiss and appoint managers at the first hint of difficulty. That reputation was reinforced by the brief tenure of Uruguayan coach Paulo Pezzolano, whose summer appointment lasted just ten matches and produced only three victories.
Watford subsequently turned back to a familiar face, reappointing Spanish coach Javi Gracia. His first spell remains the club’s longest managerial reign since Malky Mackay in 2011, having overseen 66 games between January 2018 and September 2019.
However, Gracia’s return has been accompanied by comments that have raised concern among supporters. Speaking recently to Marca, the 55-year-old admitted he does not envisage himself remaining in coaching for much longer.
Given Watford’s track record of rapid managerial turnover, it is little surprise that Gracia does not see a long-term future for himself at Vicarage Road.
When asked about the possibility of managing again in Spain, Gracia said:
“I always try to be respectful of the people currently working at clubs. I hope they stay for many years, because that’s a positive sign. As for the future, you never know what could happen.
“I don’t know how long my career will last. I don’t think it will be much longer. I see myself enjoying family and friends from a different perspective. Coaching is something I love and feel passionate about, but it is extremely demanding and requires many sacrifices. I struggle to find balance because I become fully immersed in the job. I won’t be coaching for much longer.”
Despite still being relatively young by managerial standards, Gracia has been involved in management since 2004, beginning as a youth coach at Villarreal. His career has spanned more than two decades across several countries, including England, Spain, Greece, Russia and Qatar.
Gracia remains one of the most fondly regarded managers among Watford supporters, particularly given the club have had 17 permanent head coaches since Sean Dyche’s departure in 2012. His most notable achievement came in 2019, when he guided the Hornets to the FA Cup final, although they were ultimately beaten by Manchester City.
His second spell has been modest so far, with four wins, five draws and three defeats from his first 12 matches. Watford next face Mark Robins’ Stoke City this weekend, hoping to improve on a run that has yielded just one victory in their last five outings.
Given Gracia’s comments about his future, it would not be surprising if Watford soon find themselves searching for another manager. The club are well known for having contingency plans in place, ready to act quickly if change becomes necessary.
That said, Gracia’s remarks do not suggest an immediate departure. It appears far more likely that, if his time ends, it will be through a club decision rather than a voluntary exit, as has so often been the case at Watford.
Speculation over who might be next in the dugout is inevitable, but for now Gracia remains in charge. While his long-term future almost certainly does not lie in Hertfordshire, he continues to lead the Hornets as they pursue their ambition of returning to the Premier League.
Supporters will be hoping that, this time, Gracia can go one step further than his 2019 FA Cup run and guide Watford back to the top flight.