The second-tier outfit announced on Wednesday that they were dispensing with Uruguayan Paulo Pezzolano and his backroom staff after a disappointing start to the new season and bringing back former boss Javi Gracia.
It's a move that could prove good news for Australia's exciting 19-year-old winger Irankunda, who was at the centre of an explosive incident a week ago that certainly can't have helped Pezzolano's already precarious position.
Playing at Portsmouth, Pezzolano brought off the Australian after just 35 minutes, prompting the youngster to throw a tantrum as he walked off, punching a chair in the dugout before slamming a water bottle to the ground and disappearing down the tunnel.
The fans were left outraged as the teenager has become a bit of a cult figure there with his exciting early-season contributions, including a couple of dazzling free-kick goals.
The 1200 travelling Watford fans backed Irankunda's response, chanting at Pezzolano 'you don't know what you're doing' and 'you're getting sacked in the morning.'
Pezzolano defended his decision, saying Irankunda "didn't seem fresh" and wasn't able to recover after an effort, but after a 'clear-the-air' session between the pair, the youngster was back in the team at the weekend for their home win over Oxford United.
But Pezzolano, appointed only in May to replace Tom Cleverley after last season's 14th-placed finish, has still paid the price for winning only three of their opening nine matches.
And it's paved the way for the return of Spaniard Gracia, back at Vicarage Road having left in September 2019 after he'd guided the Hornets to the FA Cup final at Wembley - where they lost 6-0 to Manchester City - as well as finishing 11th in the Premier League.
"In appointing Javi, the club are confident that he will bring the qualities we believe are vital for this young squad: consistency in team selection, harmony within the dressing room and a strong connection with our supporters. His vision and approach align closely with our objectives," a club statement said.
Meanwhile, Irankunda is on the Socceroos' North American trip for fixtures against USA and Canada, with Australia coach Tony Popovic having already been impressed at how the winger responded following the chair-punching episode by producing a good comeback performance against Oxford.
"He's experienced a lot in the last 12 months," said Popovic.
"He's getting better. He's maturing."
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