Gracia has agreed an extension that will keep him at the club until 2021

Javi Gracia has agreed a new three-year contract at Watford. He will become the first manager to sign a contract extension at Vicarage Road since Malky Mackay seven years ago in a significant change of policy for the club, who have employed ten managers since being bought by Gino Pozzo in the summer of 2012.

Watford’s willingness to give Gracia a long-term deal reflects the excellent work the Spaniard has done since he was appointed in January with the club in danger of being relegated after a dramatic slump in results under the previous manager, Marco Silva.

The 48-year-old stabilised the side, including a memorable 4-1 victory over Chelsea in February, and finished 14th. He has brought further improvement this season, with Watford eighth in