Javi Gracia has resigned as Watford head coach just three months into his second stint at Vicarage Road, leaving them searching for their third manager this season.

Gracia – who led Watford to the FA Cup final in 2018-19 – returned to the club in October, after Paulo Pezzolano was sacked after just 10 games at the helm.

The Spaniard's return coincided with an upturn in the Hornets' fortunes, though they lost ground on their rivals for a play-off place on Saturday, losing 2-0 at home to Swansea City.

And on Sunday, the club confirmed Gracia had left his role with immediate effect.

A statement said: "We retain the belief Javi was the right man to lead the club towards its push for promotion, but Javi felt he no longer had the motivation and was not the right man to continue coaching this exciting group of young players.

"We respect his decision and accept his wish to leave Vicarage Road with immediate effect."

Since Gracia's first stint at Watford ended in September 2019, the club have been led by 13 different managers – including Hayden Mullins as caretaker boss and Gracia's second spell at the helm.