Billy McKinlay spent just eight days as Watford’s head coach. It is the shortest managerial reign in Watford history.

The 45-year-old Scot joined the Hornets on Friday, September 26. He was brought to the club by then head coach Oscar Garcia.

McKinlay was originally named first-team coach and, 24 hours after his appointment, was on the touchline alongside Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira as the Hornets draw 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

On Monday, September 29, Oscar departed Watford due to health concerns. He had suffered chest pains earlier in the month.

McKinlay was instantly named his successor. He spoke to the press that afternoon. He said he wanted to take the opportunity with both hands and felt his decade as a coach had prepared him for the top job at a club.

The following day Watford hosted Brentford in the Championship. McKinlay’s reign got off to a winning start as goals from Odion Ighalo and Matej Vydra helped Watford to a 2-1 win.

His second game at the helm came on Saturday. Watford were nowhere near their best against Brighton & Hove Albion but claimed a 1-1 draw.

McKinlay admitted after that game that the Hornets needed to improve when defending crosses.

Three days later and McKinlay has been replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic. His time in charge of the Hornets lasted eight days, he was unbeaten.

The Scot is the bookies’ favourite to take over at Championship rivals Fulham – a club that he spent more than nine years at as a player and a coach.

The five shortest reigns of Watford managers/head coaches

Billy McKinlay, two league games (2014): The Scot’s brief spell in charge lasted just eight days. He oversaw a 2-1 victory over Brentford and a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. He was replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic.

Oscar Garcia, four league games (2014): The Spaniard’s reign stretched to 27 days. He was only in the dugout for one of those however.

He took charge of the Hornets’ 1-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic before suffering from chest pains.

He was in hospital as Watford defeated Blackpool 1-0 and drew 1-1 against Bournemouth.

He returned to the directors’ box for a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers. He resigned due to health concerns.

Johnny Paton, 15 league games (1955-1956): The first Watford coach to be promoted to manager didn’t quite work out for the Hornets.

Paton succeeded Len Goulden but his short reign saw just two league victories recorded whilst 28 goals were conceded. He was relieved of his duties four months after his appointment.

Len Goulden, 16 league games (1956): Returned for a second spell in charge following the sacking of Patton.

He helped improve the side, winning six of his league matches, but the Hornets still struggled and he left at the end of the 1955/1956 season.

Graham Taylor, 18 league games (1996): Perhaps a surprise name to see on this list given the length of his two others spells in charge of the Hornets, however, the Watford legend took over the side as ‘general manager’ towards the end of the 1995/1996 campaign.

He oversaw 18 matches in the First Division but, despite the Golden Boys suffering just five defeats, Taylor wasn’t able to help Watford avoid relegation.

At the end of the campaign he moved back into the boardroom with Kenny Jackett taking over that summer.