Javi Gracia has signed a 4 and a half year contract with the option of a further 3 years. He'll be gone by Easter
I already broke this news, because I heard in first in Spanish, before anyone heard it in English. I did, it's true.
The length of the contract just means the bigger the payoff because the odds on him being here in 7.5 years must be astronomical. Not sure he’s deserving of such a long deal but I can accept he’s worthy of a new deal - and this will surely wind up critics who say we will just get rid in a few months. Even though we probably will....
In all seriousness, I wonder if this means a change to the way we operate on most things in terms of the football side of the club - more say on signings? Duxbury has ALWAYS said the model is 2yr lifespan of a coach as the approach goes stale by then or they are snapped up by a bigger club. Is this contract just to protect ourselves financially in anticipation of a bigger club? The financial risk seems more weighted towards us having a hefty payoff if recent history is anything to go by? Seems a change in direction as far as the club are concerned. Be interesting to see if we here the thoughts or plans behind it.
5 or 6 games ago I could understand a long contract but seeing as our players have gone into hibernation mode I doubt we’ll survive the winter. Shame we missed out on Ranieri. Maybe Pozzo’s years are measured in months.
Football will mostly be played by robots and the survivors of the nuclear apocalypse in 2025. No chance Javi is still the coach.
At least this should stop the players downing tools for months on end because they know the gaffer is gone in the summer!
Yep. Look at Silva; didn't take long for someone to come in for him. I doubt the club really expect him to be with us in 6 years time, they're just making sure a coach they believe has what it takes doesn't end up leaving for peanuts. If he has two good seasons and clubs start sniffing, they can extend for 3 years and ensure a bumper payout.
Bet the media and pundits already have their words and quotes in place for when he gets dumped in a year or so !
Watford never give young British managers a chance. Always hiring and firing signing foreigners on long term deals. It's all that's wrong with football.
Happy with this. He still makes questionable decisions but on the whole has been very good this season.
Managers are starting to become assets like players. Gracia is having a good season so is in demand. A long term contract helps Gracia keep focussed on Watford but also means we will be well compensated when a big club come calling. I’m sure there will be heavy team performance related bonuses in the new deal.
My money is on the small print Gino has put in the contract. Finish top 10 you get a bonus of £??? Finish European places you get £??? Finish above slither and getting 6 points off the scumbag you get £??? Win a cup £??? Don’t meet any expectations outlined in this small print your p45 will be in the in tray and you have your desk cleaned out by 9am Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That’s a poorly drafted contract. There should be numbers in place of those question marks. Gino is obviously saving money on his legal advisors.
Exactly. That contract will be littered with both performance/get out clauses all over the shop. Probably longer & more detailed than the Brexit withdrawal agreement.
Not sure why you think Pozzo is such a genius. He's found a guy who works well with what he is given and that entails fielding Marriapa and Deeney while finished 17th spot plus and Gracia won't complain. Pozzo gets the box ticked. Gracia does the job. No need for heavy CB of CF investment. Everyone is happy and the dosh rolls in.
I'm sure there are loads of clauses in it. Took a couple of months to agree, probably debating over what position constitutes a good return on investment.
You may be right. For example, on the table is a proposed 3 year deal. Gracia wants £200k a year. Gino offers £50k a year. Gracia rejects. Gino compromises at £600k total but over 7 years.
