Malky Mackay expected to be unveiled as Watford manager next week

4:50pm Friday 12th June 2009

By Frank Smith

Malky Mackay could be unveiled as the new Watford manager as early as Monday, the Watford Observer understands.

The Hornets received around 70 applications for the post but we expect Mackay to be given the job on a permanent basis following his short spell in charge in November after Aidy Boothroyd’s departure.

Watford will not comment on which clubs or managers have been approached but we understand that Mackay had an interview at the club on Tuesday.

Chairman Jimmy Russo would not comment on who would be taking over the club but he did say they “expect to make an announcement early next week”.

He added: “I have spent since Brendan Rodgers’ departure talking to various parties about the possibility of becoming the Watford manager.

When Mackay was in temporary charge last year, Sean Dyche was his number two and the Scot may decide to promote the former centre-back, who is Reserve team boss, once more.

Watford chairman Jimmy Russo said Graham Taylor would be influential in the decision-making process and we understand the club are keen for Mackay to have a more experienced head as part of the backroom staff.

Two obvious candidates would be Taylor’s former assistant manager John Ward, who is without a club after leaving Oldham Athletic in November, and Keith Burkinshaw, who Mackay brought back to the club when he was interim boss.

Betting on who would become the next Watford manager was suspended on Wednesday afternoon after large sums were put on Mackay taking over at Vicarage Road, although the markets re-opened yesterday (Thursday).

Mackay has been favourite for the job for most of the past week, since Rodgers’ departure for Reading, but former Hornet Andy Hessenthaler was also heavily backed.

Hessenthaler has led Dover Athletic to the Conference South after back-to-back promotions and has more managerial experience than Mackay after four years as Gillingham’s player-manager.

He told the East Kent Mercury: “I can assure everyone that I’m fully focused on Dover Athletic and next season.

“Since Brendan Rodgers left Watford, I’ve received telephone calls and texts from people connected with the club [Dover] and I’ve told them that I’m staying put.

“All my thoughts are on Dover and the challenge that Conference South football will bring next season.”

One manager who has publicly stated that Watford showed an interest in him is Andy Scott, who led Brentford to the League Two title this year.

Scott refused to rule out a move to Vicarage Road but it seems unlikely that he had an interview with the club as he is on holiday in the United States.

He told the Hounslow Chronicle: “I’m aware Watford have shown an interest, but I’m not going to speculate until I’m told otherwise.

“I’m young and ambitious and want to manage at Championship and Premier League level.

“But I’m contracted to Brentford, and am busy looking at what players I’m bringing in for next season.”

As expected, a host of names have been linked with the Watford manager’s job, including Dennis Wise, who reportedly applied for the post.

Along with Mackay and Hessenthaler, former Watford players Nigel Gibbs and Tony Coton were also linked with the vacancy.

Gibbs has only a couple of weeks left on his Reading contract, although Rodgers is believed to have offered him another deal.

Coton, meanwhile, feels he is ready for management and is believed to have been interviewed for the job when Boothroyd left.

After 11 years as Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach, he has an excellent relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.