Watford are on the brink of sacking manager Paulo Pezzolano, talkSPORT understands.Javi Gracia, who was Hornets boss between January 2018 and September 2019, is set to return as his replacement. Gracia has been out of work since being sacked by Leeds in 2023GettySecond tier promotion specialist Pezzolano was appointed in the summer but has won only three of his nine Championship games in charge.The Hornets sit 11th in the Championship having picked up seven points from their last three games.Pezzolano is now set to leave Vicarage Road after little more than four months – with Watford‘s ruthless ownership set to bring back a popular figure as their 13th manager since 2020. Gracia famously guided Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019 and an 11th-place finish in his only full Premier League season in charge.The Spaniard proved popular during his first spell as Watford boss, leading the club to an 11th-placed Premier League finish and an FA Cup final. But Gracia has been away from football for two years following a disastrous three-month spell in charge of Leeds in 2023.The mood around the club has been shrouded in disgruntlement from the club’s supporters in recent weeks.A section of Watford fans were heard chanting ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ at the Uruguayan during last week’s victory over Hull and the midweek draw at Portsmouth.Asked about the resentment aimed at him following last weekend’s 2-1 win over Oxford, Pezzolano said: “No, that’s not my concern.“My concern is the performance of the team. What’s important is that I will be the one picking the players and making the decisions, thinking always what’s best for the team and the club.“Today people went home happy because of the result and if we keep having positive results then supporters will be happy as a consequence of that.”The mood turned sour towards Pezzolano following his decision to withdraw Nestory Irankunda during the clash at Portsmouth.As a result, unsavoury chants were aimed at the 42-year-old with Irankunda visibly angry by Pezzolano’s decision.However, the Uruguayan later revealed that there was no animosity between the pair and that it was now ‘water under the bridge.’“Nestory is a wonderful person – he trains very hard and is potentially a great player,” Pezzolano said.“He’s a friend. I’m here to help him develop and have a great season.“Every decision is for the best of the club, what’s best for the team.”Pezzolano succeeded Tom Cleverley as Watford boss during the summer after a 14th-placed finish last term.It was his first taste of English football having previously worked in Spain, Brazil and Mexico.However, his tenure looks set to end after just nine games.More to follow…