Flores returns at Watford as Gracia is axed

QUIQUE Sanchez Flores has made a surprise return to Watford following the sacking of Javi Gracia.

Yesterday morning Vicarage Road sources indicated to Mail on Sunday Sport that it was a case of when, rather than if, Gracia would be shown the door by club chiefs following a poor start to t he season that has left them bottom of the Premier League with one point from their opening four games.

The news was confirmed by the club yesterday afternoon in a short statement released during England’s European qualifier against Bulgaria.

Chief executive and chairman Scott Duxbury confirmed: ‘Javi has represented Watford with great dignity and will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements.’

But in a dramatic twist shortly after, former manager Flores was confirmed as new Vicarage Road boss.

The Spaniard was out of work after leaving Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua earlier this summer following a short stint in charge.

The 54-year-old was a popular figure at Watford’s Hertfordshire training complex following his one season in charge at the club during the 2015/16 campaign. He led the team to an FA semifinal and a comfortable midtable position in their first season back in the top-flight after promotion.

Gracia was well aware that his job was under threat following a dreadful run of results that started at the end of the last season. Watford have lost nine out of their last 13 top-flight games, though that poor sequence was tempered by their run to the FA Cup final, in which they lost 6-0 against Manchester City at Wembley.

Members of the club’s top brass often visit the club’s HQ, but there is said to have been an unease about their current plight from senior figures in recent weeks.

It is understood Gracia maintained the backing of the majority of his playing squad, while there is acknowledgement that Troy Deeney’s absence due to injury has hampered the team’s chances. But having shown their willingness to sack managers in the past, Gracia’s time was up.

Gracia could face axe as Watford stay pointless LEADING THE WAY: How The Mail on Sunday forecast sacking