Sorry Javi, this is no time for sentiment!

ROB Edwards has already survived more league games as head coach of Middlesbrough than he did when in charge of Watford three years ago.

- ERICPAYLOR

On that occasion he was sacked before the end of September, having won three of his 10 matches and with the Hornets in 10th place in the Championship.

No doubt this will be treated as just another game by Edwards as he bids to guide the Boro to another three valuable points.

In fact he will be well aware that the man under greatest pressure at Vicarage Road will not be Edwards himself, one of the Boro players, or the Watford men, but the man standing next to him on the touchline.

Javi Gracia has been reappointed Watford manager following an initial stint at the helm a few years ago. The Spaniard will be under no illusions that he needs to get results and start to challenge for a top six place.

Italian owner Gino Pozzo has a habit of sacking his managers when things go slightly wrong, so Gracia will have been working hard in training this week to ensure that his players are all on their toes.