Gracia reunites his old Watford coaching staff for second spell

Aranalde has once again been appointed Assistant Coach in what will be his third spell at the club, having also been part of the coaching staff under Tom Cleverley from February until May this year.

Solla, who has worked with Gracia since 2007, has been named as Fitness Coach again, while Arteaga will resume his role as Goalkeeping Coach. He replaces Alex Brunner, who leaves the club after three-and-a-half years.

Pablo Mandiola will also rejoin the club as an Analyst, subject to being granted a work permit. He is another with previous experience at Watford, having worked with the Academy and then the women’s team before working with the men’s first team during Gracia’s first spell at the helm.

Alberto Garrido, who was appointed as First Team Coach in the summer of 2024, will continue in the role.

Gracia was reappointed as head coach earlier in the month in place of summer appointment Paulo Pezzolano, who was sacked after 10 games.

During Gracia’s first spell in charge, he led the Hornets to their highest-ever Premier League finish of 11th and also to the FA Cup final, in which they were beaten 6-0 by Manchester City.