Watford have appointed former boss Quique Sanchez Flores within minutes of announcing the sacking of head coach Javi Gracia.

Garcia has left the club after a poor start to the Premier League season with the side bottom of the table.

Watford's only point so far this season came in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle last weekend, following defeats against Brighton, Everton, and West Ham.

Sanchez Flores returns to Vicarage Road having lead the club to a midtable finish during the 2015-16 Premier League season, as well as reaching the semifinal of the FA Cup. The 54-year-old Spanish coach left at the end of the season after a poor run of form in his final months in charge.

Sanchez Flores replaces Gracia, 49, who joined Watford in 2018, guiding the team to the final of the FA Cup last season before ultimately losing 6-0 to Manchester City.

"Javi has represented Watford with great dignity and will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements," Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury said in a statement.

"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."