Watford have confirmed the resignation of head coach Javi Gracia, leaving the club searching for its eleventh manager in the last five years. The 55-year-old Spaniard has stepped down from his role just shy of four months into his second tenure at Vicarage Road, following a 2-0 home defeat to Swansea City.

In the wake of this loss, Gracia chose to part ways with the club, leading to Watford announcing his unexpected departure. despite the club being tenth in the Championship. The club released a statement saying: "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.

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"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. ".

The situation is particularly jarring given the recent timeline of departures. Since early 2021, the club has cycled through a mix of veterans and former players, rarely allowing a coach to see out a full season.

Tom Cleverley (2024–2025) was the rare exception, lasting over a year before being sacked in May 2025. He was followed by a brief, unsuccessful stint under Paulo Pezzolano, whose exit in October 2025 paved the way for Gracia’s emotional return.

Gracia, who famously led the club to the 2019 FA Cup Final, was brought back to provide "stability" but has now resigned after just four months, reportedly frustrated by a lack of activity in the January transfer window.

The Hornets are now searching for a new man in the dugout as they aim for the Championship play-offs.