JAVI GRACIA’S return to Watford was delayed when he broke seven ribs falling off a ladder.
The popular Spaniard will begin his second coming with the Hornets after Paulo Pezzolano’s ten-match reign was brutally terminated on Saturday at Sheffield United.
Gracia, 55, was sounded out about replacing former Manchester United ace Tom Cleverley as head coach earlier this year before Pezzolano’s appointment turned into another managerial peep show at Vicarage Road.
But his return to Hertfordshire was postponed by two major health set-backs — starting with a DIY accident which landed him in hospital.
Gracia said: “I had a lot of free time at home and my wife wanted me [to] help with this and that around the house.
“I was up a ladder, I fell four metres (13ft) and I broke seven ribs. It was very, very painful.
“It’s fine now, I’ve fully recovered but I also have a new right hip. The surgery for that was much better than the ribs.”
Gracia led Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019 but their 6-0 humbling by Manchester City came in the middle of a poor run in the Prem.
And he was fired after taking just eight points from a possible 39 at the end of one season and the start of the next.
The ex-Leeds boss, who will be the 22nd permanent head coach under trigger-happy owner Gino Pozzo in 13 years, was popular with fans.
But he is prepared to crack the whip to fulfil Pozzo’s mission statement of reaching the Championship play-offs after Watford signed 14 players in the summer transfer window.
Gracia said: “You have to know when to be demanding, and when to speak with players. But it feels like I am coming home and I have unfinished business here.
“I see the people who worked here with me long ago and it’s easier for me, I like it this way.
“It’s one of the main reasons I’m here — to live this experience again.”
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