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Watford appoint Javi Gracia as head coach on 18-month contract

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New Watford head coach Javi Gracia says he took the job because he needed a new challenge and that working in football is all he wants. Pictures courtesy of watfordfc.com

Watford have appointed Javi Gracia as their new head coach on an 18-month contract, having sacked Marco Silva on Sunday morning.

Gracia, 47, signed a deal which runs until the end of the 2018/19 season having most recently managed Rubin Kazan, who he led to a ninth-placed finish in the Russian Premier League last season.

Sky Sports News understands Gracia will meet the Watford squad for training on Monday and will bring four new backroom staff members along with him to his new role.

Who is Javi Gracia?
Who is Javi Gracia?

Javi Gracia spoke to Sky Sports in October to discuss how he beat Barcelona and his Premier League future...

Marco Silva was sacked on Sunday following a run of poor results that has seen the Hornets win just one of their last 11 Premier League games, culminating in their 2-0 defeat away to Leicester on Saturday.

Sky Sports News understands funds are available to the new boss in the January transfer window, but space must be made in Watford's squad before any new players can be signed.

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Watford face Southampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup at St Mary's on Saturday before travelling to Stoke in the Premier League on January 31.

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