GRACIA’S A ONE IN TEN
Javi first Hornets boss to get new deal off Pozzo
JAVI GRACIA has confirmed he has agreed a new deal at Watford.
The Spaniard has committed his future at Vicarage Road until the summer of 2022, to become the first Hornets boss to earn a contract extension from owner Gino Pozzo.
Malky Mackay was the last manager to put pen to paper twice at Vicarage Road and he left in June 2011 – a year before the Pozzo family bought the club.
Gracia arrived in January on an 18-month deal, as replacement for Marco Silva, who was sacked.
That took the tally of managers since Pozzo (right) took charge to ten.
Happy
Now Gracia has been given an extended stay as reward for Watford’s fine start to the campaign, which sees them sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Liverpool.
Gracia, 48, said: “We reached an agreement for the next years. I don’t sign it yet but I will do next week.
“I’m happy. It’s good for me and good for the club as well.
“As a coach you always depend on the results. At this moment, I am proud to be part of this project.
“Not only for one year but for a long time. I think it is good for me. I feel happy here, my technical staff as well. We try to improve the team.” Gracia is the fourth longest serving manager under the Pozzos – behind Gianfranco Zola, Quique Sanchez Flores and Walter Mazzarri – and he is delighted they have placed their long-term trust in him.
He added: “This motivates me. It’s not something that has happened before.
“I’m happy as the club, with this contract, is recognising my work and the work of the staff.
“I felt well from the beginning. I don’t need to have a new contract to feel better. I know what my job is and what my work is. Now I feel better as the club recognise my work with a new contract.”
Gracia’s commitment is not the only good news for Watford. They have finally received a work permit for Venezuelan striker Adalberto Penaranda, 21, who they signed from
Udinese in 2016.
Gracia added:
“He’s a good striker, a young player with a good future. He will help us in the next few years.”