Watford announce former Celtic, West Ham and Norwich defender Malky Mackay as manager

12:00pm Monday 15th June 2009

By Frank Smith

Mackay, who has been first-team coach at the club since retiring in 2008, has signed a three-year contract.

The Hornets had a four-man selection panel to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ replacement, consisting of chairman and vice chairman Jimmy and Vince Russo, chief executive Julian Winter and Watford legend and board member Graham Taylor.

Mackay is currently gaining his Pro License with the Scottish FA and is understood to be at the European Under-21 Championships in Sweden at the moment as part of a case study.

We understand the 37-year-old had two interviews last week on Tuesday and Friday and should return by Wednesday for his press conference.

His backroom staff has not been announced yet but we believe assistant Academy manager Sean Dyche will be promoted as his assistant manager.

Dyche was Mackay’s number two when the Scot was interim boss following Aidy Boothroyd’s departure in November, when Watford won two and drew one of the five games while Mackay was in charge.

There are also suggestions that Brian Greenhalgh, who was chief scout under Taylor, may be returning in some capacity.

Mackay has a wealth of playing experience with Celtic, Norwich, West Ham and of course Watford.

“I’ve been planning for a few years with the aim of eventually becoming a first team manager.

“I couldn’t have had any better grounding than what I’ve had at Watford over the last four years or so in the various roles I’ve undertaken.

“Now I’m just looking to the future and I can’t wait for pre-season to begin so we can get to work on the training pitch.”

The Hornets' chairman Jimmy Russo said the board was unanimous in their vote for Mackay.

Russo said: “Malky has all the attributes to be a good manager, he has great leadership skills and crucially gives us continuity at the club.

“He inherits a good set-up and I’m sure he can build on that. Malky is his own man and proved himself in the interview, overall I’m delighted with the appointment.”

Watford fans were angered by Rodgers, following his departure 11 days ago, as he had previously stated his “loyalty” to Watford and that people shouldn’t “question his integrity”.

"I know the club inside out and I've been in the Championship for 10 years now and know everything about it.

"I know how the players at the club tick. I was caretaker manager about six months ago so I feel I can bring a fresh approach.

"I've been working towards this for the last six years and am looking forward to the challenge."