Watford

Watford have announced the sacking of manager Javi Gracia and immediately reappointed Quique Sanchez Flores as his replacement.

Gracia was appointed Watford boss in January 2018 and led the club to 11th in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, not to mention finishing runners-up to Manchester City in last term's FA Cup final.

Watford confirmed Gracia's departure via their official website on Saturday, with Sanchez Flores swiftly reinstalled as his successor:

#watfordfc announces the appointment of Quique Sánchez Flores as the club’s new Head Coach.https://t.co/XqhpUvCwpT pic.twitter.com/HcU7Z87H79

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) September 7, 2019

The Hornets have suffered home defeats to West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion this term, though, and sit at the bottom of the Premier League after four matches. 

Watford secured a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in their previous outing to finally get their league account up and running. However, the Pozzo family have used the international break as an opportunity to cut ties with the Spanish tactician.

A statement from club chairman Scott Duxbury said: "Javi has represented Watford with great dignity and will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements."

Club captain Troy Deeney recently spoke to Sky Sports News and backed Gracia, 49, to keep his place as manager despite mounting pressure, saying he is a "big boy, he knows what he's doing."

Jonathan Northcroft of the Sunday Times tweeted prior to Gracia's dismissal that the club were interested in bringing back Sanchez Flores:

Hearing that Javi Gracia is on the brink at Watford...and they want to bring Quique Sanchez Flores back to replace him

— Jonathan Northcroft (@JNorthcroft) September 7, 2019

Sanchez Flores managed Watford from June 2015 to May 2016. He held a similar record to Gracia in his single season at Vicarage Road, taking the team to 13th in the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final.

He left the team at the end of the season, though, after they won just two of their final 12 league games.

The 54-year-old joined Espanyol following his departure from England, then managed Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua from December 2018 to July 2019.

Gracia is the first manager from the English top flight to be fired this season, though journalist James Benge said the decision was justified given Watford's recent form:

Watford have beaten Fulham and Huddersfield since March 3 and you're telling me Gracia's sacking is harsh?

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) September 7, 2019

Watford broke their transfer record to sign winger Ismaila Sarr from Rennes for more than £25 million in August, but the Senegal international has hardly featured following an extended summer break.

Getting Watford's attack up to speed will be a chief priority for Sanchez Flores after the club has scored just twice in the Premier League this season, the lowest tally in the division.

Gerard Deulofeu's time with Barcelona is over, as the forward has returned to Watford on a permanent basis. The former Everton man already spent part of the 2017-18 season with the Hornets on loan.

Watford announced the news on Twitter:

✍️ | @gerardeulofeu has returned to #watfordfc from @FCBarcelona after signing a five-year permanent deal!#GerardsBack

More info ⤵️https://t.co/OLY750ujUG pic.twitter.com/Q6FM3zh8WD

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 11, 2018

According to Barcelona's official website, Deulofeu will cost Watford €13 million (£11.5 million), with an additional €4 million in bonus money included in the deal. The Blaugrana will also be entitled to a percentage of his sell-on fee.

Crucially, the announcement contains no news of a buyback clause. Deulofeu already left Barcelona once before, joining Everton on a permanent deal with such a clause, and the Catalans eventually triggered the option to bring him back.

Still just 24 years old, Deulofeu's career has been a frustrating one to follow. The La Masiaproduct was regarded as one of Barcelona's best-ever prospects when he made his debut in the 2011-12 campaign, and he flashed plenty of brilliance early.

He was never able to get a consistent run in the team, however, leading to several loan spells and the permanent move to Everton. The Toffees loaned him out to AC Milan, where he finally found a role suited to his skills and played well. Barcelona recalled him after the loan came to an end, however, once again robbing him of the chance to build on some momentum.

Deulofeu spent the first half of last season back at the Camp Nou, with Barcelona desperate for depth after Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain. With Philippe Coutinhoarriving in January, he was once again surplus to requirements and shipped off to Watford.

The Hornets are banking on the potential he showed in his brief stint at Vicarage Road, which was hardly a rousing success. Deulofeu still has room for growth, and his stint with Milan did show he can be an effective player provided he gets his chance in a system that suits him.

 

Watford manager Javi Gracia has encouraged star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure to achieve his ambitions at Vicarage Road amid speculation linking him with a host of elite Premier League teams. 

Doucoure has excelled at the heart of the Watford midfield this season, and rumours about his future have gathered pace in recent weeks. When asked about the talk, Gracia said he wants to see the Frenchman remain at the club.

"Doucoure is playing for a very big team, playing in the Premier League and in the future I would like him to play with Watford in Europe," said the manager, per the Press Association (h/t Sky Sports). "Maybe in the future he can play with other big clubs who play in the Champions League. But what I feel at this moment is that all of our players are proud to belong at this club."

As noted in the report, the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Arsenal have been tipped as potential suitors for the talented 25-year-old.

Doucoure has also said he would love to play for the Anfield club. "Liverpool is a club that needs no introduction," he said to Canal+ (h/t Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo) recently. "I was impatient to play there at Anfield, I wanted to feel the atmosphere. For me it would be a dream to play in a club like this." 

Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap is a fan of the player, suggesting he's a standout in the lower reaches of the Premier League:

If we are buying a centre mid from the bottom 14 of this league then I would have this lad every day of the week:https://t.co/BWGOPSqiA5

— Neil Atkinson (@Knox_Harrington) March 26, 2018

While Watford have been inconsistent during the 2017-18 season, their French midfielder has shone throughout the campaign.

Doucoure has a number of defensive attributes, as he shuts off space well and wins his fair share of tackles. Still, his game isn't limited to shutting down opposition attacks, as he is adept at pushing forward with the ball and making his presence felt further up the field.

Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News noted that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also an admirer of the Watford man and provided figures to sum up just how important he has become to the team:

https://twitter.com/SkyKaveh/status/972168401727709184

The Hornets have established themselves in the Premier League, and while there were times under former boss Marco Silva that they appeared capable of breaking into a European spot, at the moment they are down in 11th place in the top flight.

Given the turnover of players has always been high at Vicarage Road, you feel as though a big offer would be tempting for Watford to take in the summer so they can reinvest elsewhere. Doucoure, based on recent quotes, would also seemingly jump at the chance to join one of the division's high-profile outfits.

Watford striker Troy Deeney has explained his double middle-finger gesture in celebration after his goal against Chelsea on Monday was made in an effort to dispel rumours linking him with an exit from the club.

Deeney converted from the penalty spot to open the scoring in a 4-1 rout of the Premier League champions, and he told BBC 5 live Sport his celebration was in response to January transfer gossip (h/t Kevin Beirne of Football.London).

"Obviously we have had a lot of transfer talk and transfer speculation," he said. "I've kept quiet because I realise talking gets me in trouble. That was a case of letting everyone know I saw everything and I am still here." 

The Hornets frontman is now facing the possibility of a four-match ban from the Football Association, however, per injury analyst Ben Dinnery:

Troy Deeney faces the prospect of a four-match ban. The @FA could hand the #watfordfc captain a two-game suspension for an offensive gesture following his goal against Chelsea + an additional two matches as this would be his third ban of the campaign. pic.twitter.com/r9pW7QbGDS

— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 6, 2018

MailOnline's Max Winters likened the intentional on-pitch profanity to an incident that landed Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli a one-match suspension, when he displayed a middle finger in England's 2-1 win over Slovenia in September.

The FA found the gesture was "offensive and unsporting," suggesting Deeney will also be judged by similar guidelines following his protest—seemingly towards his own fans—at Vicarage Road on Monday.

Sport Witness questioned how necessary the gesture was, particularly one that could be interpreted as something of an aggressive approach to matters:

Trony Deeney's middle finger celebration is really odd. If it is about rumours of a Watford exit, then he must be incredibly insecure and strangely bothered about it all.

Deeney isn't exactly a regular in the rumour mill.

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) February 6, 2018

Deeney was most closely linked with moves to West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United in January, and the Watford captain was coy on his future when asked, per Matt Storey of the Hertfordshire Mercury:

"It wouldn't be January—or any other transfer window, for that matter—without there being some chat about my future here. [...]

"Nothing changes for me—there's no point. What will be will be and it's the job of every pro at every club to get on with it and do what they're paid to do.

"In my case, that's knock a few goals into the net and be a captain for Watford."

Deeney, 29, is now in his eighth season at Watford and appears content to remain at Vicarage Road as long as he's allowed, having exhibited an impassioned response to staying at the club.

Watford sacked manager Marco Silva on Sunday after a torrid run of recent form. 

The shock decision was announced via the club's official website a day after the Hornets suffered a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City. 

In the bulletin, the Hornets made reference to an approach from another Premier League club for Silva's services earlier in the campaign:

"This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly. The Club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership. 

"The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something which the Board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised.

"For the security and success of the football club, the Board believes it has to make a change."

According to Phil McNulty of BBC Sport, Everton made an unsuccessful attempt to appoint the Portuguese as their manager in November after they sacked Ronald Koeman.

Watford later confirmed that Javi Gracia will take over the post.

Silva departs Vicarage Road with the team in 10th place but just five points above the relegation zone. After a brilliant start to the season, the team's form has faded drastically, with eight defeats, two draws and one win in their past 11 Premier League games.

Sam Tighe has some sympathy with the former Hull City and Olympiakos manager:

#WatfordFC part company with Marco Silva. Just a few months after rejecting a huge sum from Everton for him. Crazy how quickly things swing in football.

Form’s been awful, but I feel like that’s more to do with injuries than anything else.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) January 21, 2018

Silva took charge of Hull last term, and despite the team's relegation, he earned plaudits for the manner in which he got a makeshift squad playing decent and productive football.

In the summer, Watford snapped Silva up on a two-year deal. The appointment appeared to be inspired earlier in the campaign too, as the Hornets played some brilliant football and were looking like outside candidates to claim a UEFA Europa League place.

However, since Everton's approach, things have started to unravel at Watford. And while they remain in the top half of the table, Silva's sacking is evidence the club was concerned about the recent downturn in results.

Meanwhile, with the Toffees toiling under Sam Allardyce, the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani asked whether they should make a move for the unattached former Sporting CP boss:

https://twitter.com/SachinNakrani/status/955025571150483456

Silva finds himself in a testing position after this dismissal, as he has yet to nail down a long-term position since moving to the Premier League.

The next step in his career needs to be one with stability in mind. Although given the manner in which Watford have crumbled recently, it would be no surprise if the Toffees thought twice about making another approach.

Watford have completed the signing of Andre Gray from Burnley for a club-record fee.  

Per the club's official website, the 26-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Hornets. The actual record fee was not disclosed.

Gray arrives at Watford having spent two successful seasons with Burnley at Turf Moor. The striker was vital in the Clarets' promotion to the Premier League in 2015-16 and netted nine times last season to help keep the club well clear of a relegation battle.

But the striker declined to sign a new contract, and with just 12 months remaining on his Burnley deal, the Hornets have swooped to secure the forward.

The transfer is yet another intriguing step in Gray's remarkable career. During the 2013-14 season, he was playing for Luton Town in the National League before being picked up by Brentford Town.

In Gray, Marco Silva has a forward that has proved himself at the highest two levels of the English game, as these figures from WhoScored.com show:

Andre Gray: Only Kane (54) & Vardy (37) have scored more goals than Gray (34) of all English players in the PL + C'ship since August 2015 pic.twitter.com/4vCn6k4T8S

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 7, 2017

If Gray is afforded space to burst into, he can be so dangerous. On the ball he's a tidy dribbler, is brilliant at manufacturing time for himself and, as these aforementioned figures show, he can find the back of the net frequently.

There are areas of his game that can be improved. Gray's hold-up play is often erratic, as is his use of the ball with his back to goal. 

Still, he's a goalscorer, and provided he can offer the kind of predatory threat in Watford colours as he did for Burnley, the supporters of his new club will be delighted with this acquisition. 

Brazil U20 star Richarlison has signed for Watford in a deal worth £11.2 million, per the Watford Observer.

In the video above, we look at his highlights and give you the lowdown on the youngster.

Nathaniel Chalobah has completed his move to Watford from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year deal with his new club.

The Hornets announced the news via their official website on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson reported the Blues tried to keep the 22-year-old at the club with the offer of a new contract, but the midfielder had made up his mind.

It now seems the Premier League champions have relented and opted to cash in.

Chalobah has spent the bulk of his senior career as a loan player and barely featured for the Blues last season, making just a single Premier League start.

He needed more consistent playing time to continue his development, so his desire to move to Watford makes sense. He spent the 2012/13 season on loan with the Hornets.

His move is another blow for the reputation of Chelsea's academy, which has housed a tremendous amount of young talent in the last five years but has seen virtually no one make a significant impact for the senior side.

Bertrand Traore and Nathan Ake also left the club this summer, moving to Lyon and Bournemouth, respectively.

Watford have confirmed former Hull City boss Marco Silva as their new head coach on a two-year deal.

The Hornets announced the appointment on their Twitter feed on Saturday, with the 39-year-old taking over after the departure of Walter Mazzarri:

OFFICIAL: #watfordfc is delighted to confirm the appointment of Marco Silva as Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/E90cIca34s

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 27, 2017

Silva arrived at Hull in January tasked with keeping the Tigers afloat in the Premier League. While the team was eventually relegated, the Portuguese impressed in the role and has done enough to earn another crack at a job in English football's top flight.

In a statement on their official website, Watford chairman Scott Duxbury expressed his delight at getting their man.

"Marco was one of the most sought-after Head Coaches in the Premier League," he said. "His pedigree and promise speaks for itself with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe, as well as his work at Hull City last season. We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a Head Coach of his profile and potential."

After a solid start under Mazzarri, Watford endured a testing end to the Premier League season, losing their last six games in a row to eventually finish just above the relegation zone in 17th.

As such, the Hornets need some revitalisation in the summer, and based on the way he acquitted himself at Hull, Silva may be the man to provide it.

As we can see courtesy of Squawka Football, on their own patch, in particular, the Tigers were excellent:

Marco Silva won 8 of his 11 home games as Hull City manager.

WWWWDWWWWLL

Great appointment for Watford. 🐝 https://t.co/CELww3WetQ

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 27, 2017

While Hull were relegated, the fact they were able to be competitive in the battle to stay afloat towards the end of the season was a testament to Silva.

After all, the Tigers lost Robert Snodgrass and Jake Livermore in January, arguably their two best players. The club didn't invest heavily either, with out-of-favour players like Oumar Niasse and Lazar Markovic coming in on loan.

Silva energised and organised the team, though, and they turned in some memorable performances, most notably a 2-0 win over Liverpool and a draw at Manchester United.

The coach shone during his time with Olympiakos, too, winning the Greek title in the 2015-16 season. Silva also won the Portuguese Cup with Sporting CP in 2015.

The challenge for Silva will be to bring some stability to Vicarage Road, something BT Sport noted the club have not had for a while:

Watford have appointed Marco Silva as their new manager on a two-year deal.

He is their 9th new boss in the last 5 years. pic.twitter.com/lRqeHSb2S3

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 27, 2017

At Watford, the manager will inherit a large, cosmopolitan squad of players, although there's no doubt some fresh faces will come in who better suit his blueprint.

There is some talent to work with, most notably in the form of talismanic skipper Troy Deeney and midfield powerhouse Etienne Capoue. Provided Silva can build around the quality already at the club and get his own principles across in pre-season, all signs point to a positive 2017-18 for the Hornets with him in charge.