“I try to enjoy every day.” It’s a sentiment Javi Gracia has shared on multiple occasions since taking over at Watford in January and one which his players have, this season at least, gamely adopted.

Having a positive attitude, it goes without saying, makes life easier, but maintaining a glass half full approach in an industry which chews up and spits out managers at a frightening rate is no small feat.

Gracia, though, has remained resolute in his stance - a man content in his position and genuinely relishing the opportunity to lead a side at the very top of the English game.

What a departure that has been from the tenure’s of Marco Silva and Walter Mazzarri before him, with the Italian in particular taking on a demeanour as far removed from jovial as humanly possible.

Even in the halcyon early days of Silva’s reign there were grumbles - most notably those aimed at the board for what he perceived to be a below-par transfer window in spite of the arrival of the likes of Richarlison and Andre Carillo and the club record outlay paid for Andre Gray.

There is value in taking such a stance in an attempt to loosen the purse strings, but Silva surely knew the nature of Gino Pozzo’s model at Watford meant he would have little joy twisting the Italian’s arm.

Further still, pining after those who got away only serves to leave the players at your disposal feeling less than loved - an issue which came back to bite Silva in the form of the ostracised Stefano Okaka.

Gracia - a head coach who has always been happy to work with what he has and improve players - was never likely to fall into the same trap, and the manner in which his Manager of the Month win was received once more highlighted the togetherness of this group.

In a video released by the club, a beaming Gracia was drenched in water by his players, with even those who have barely featured this season gleefully joining in the celebrations.

It may have only been the briefest of glimpses into the Watford camp, but it was one which spoke volumes of the positive atmosphere Gracia has generated.

Of course, coming into work with a smile on your face can only get you so far and a willingness to graft is the prerequisite for Gracia’s success thus far at Vicarage Road.

Gracia has never been far removed from such qualities as his CV prior to joining Watford attests to.

Having served successful apprenticeships in Spanish football’s lower leagues with Pontevedra and Cadiz as well as spending time in charge of Villarreal’s B team, Gracia has experience working with perceived lesser lights.

Now the Spaniard is reaping similar rewards for his loyalty to a group of players who he helped rally and avoid the drop last season.

Watford’s squad is punctuated with genuine stars in the form of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra, but a perfect record after four top flight games is surely an achievement which should have been beyond the Hornets.

Gracia, though, has got his charges playing to his upbeat tune and it’s hard to argue with the results in any of the Hornets’ outings this term.

If he can continue to do so, the 48-year-old will only find it easier to continue living life his way and enjoying every day.