Hornets manager Malky Mackay enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat with patients when he visited the Peace Hospice.

The Watford boss took time out from his preparations ahead of his team’s final match of the season at Preston this Sunday to tour the day unit and inpatient unit.

Elizabeth Timmons and Pat Slaughter were busy preparing tea and cake when he arrived at the hospice, in Peace Drive, on Tuesday.

Mrs Timmons, a volunteer for 21 years, has raised £200,000 for the charity in that time, hosting coffee mornings, garden open days, dances and quizzes. She asked Malky for his autograph – a surprise for her neighbour.

Mrs Slaughter has volunteered at the hospice for 18 years and said she was a devoted Watford season ticket holder, with a seat in the Vicarage Road stand.

“It’s lovely for him to come around,” she said. “Over the years they’ve all come round so it’s really nice, especially for the men.”

She added: “I bet he looks good in a kilt.”

Gill Crowson, the hospice’s community fundraising manager, said Watford managers and players have visited the hospice since current chairman Graham Taylor last in the role, and the club has supported it ever since.

“It’s nice for the patients,” she said. “They love it when visitors come in and take time to talk to them. They like to tell them who they support if it’s not Watford.”

Malky said the hospice and the football club have a strong connection as part of its work in the community.

“It’s always nice to come up and say ‘hello’ and it’s a great for the boys. They get to see the hard work of the staff that put so many hours in for such a good cause and see people who they are unfortunately trying to make them more comfortable.

“They’re part of the local community and we want to make sure we stay as close to our roots as possible.”