Watford have sacked head coach Javi Gracia after just four games of the new Premier League season.
The Hornets reached the FA Cup final last season, but currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having lost their opening three matches of the 2019-20 campaign.
Gracia appeared to be arresting that slide with a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Coventry followed up by a 1-1 League draw at Newcastle for their first point of the season, but the Spaniard's time at the club is now over.
A club statement released on Saturday afternoon read: "Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Javi Gracia."
"Javi Gracia’s staff will also be leaving the club, ahead of the imminent appointment of a new coaching team.
"Everyone at the Hornets wishes Javi and his staff all the very best for the future, and they will always be welcome visitors in the future at Vicarage Road."
Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury said: “Javi has represented Watford with great dignity and will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements.”
Gracia is the first Premier League manager to lose their job this season. The 49-year-old had been in charge since January 2018.
Watford lost the FA Cup final in May to Manchester City, which also won the Premier League.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
