Watford had four candidates but Malky Mackay only one interviewed

5:27pm Monday 15th June 2009

By Frank Smith

There were four candidates for the Watford manager’s job but Malky Mackay was the only person interviewed by the club.

The Hornets’ chief executive Julian Winter also admitted the board had already identified Mackay as their next manager before Brendan Rodgers’ departure on June 4.

Chairman Jimmy Russo, brother and vice chairman Vince, Winter and Watford legend and director Graham Taylor made up the selection committee which appointed Mackay.

Winter told the club’s website: “He had already been identified as a potential successor and as such was in poll position for the role.

“We have established a succession plan at the club and that has included planning for our next manager.

“We have been active setting up structures and management functions on the football side of our business that allows the manager to focus on first team affairs and that in part has enabled us to identify the next manager from within.

“We aim to develop staff at all levels of the club and it was right that Malky was placed in poll position for the job.”

Mackay was previously first-team coach at Watford and was interim manager when Aidy Boothroyd left in November and Winter believes the Scot did well to stabalise the club.

He said: “It was in the plan and we had earmarked Malky as the future manager here at the club “I don’t think anybody expected Brendan to leave so soon, however this is why we have these plans in place.

“We believe that Malky has all the credentials to move us forward and stamp his authority on the team.

“On a personal note, I’m looking forward to working closely with him and we of course wish him all the success for the future as he leads the first team forward.

“Malky did tremendously well to stabalise the club back in November during his role as caretaker manager and he showed plenty of first-class managerial qualities during that period too.”

Despite only interviewing Mackay, Winter believes the club have employed the right person.

He said: “We interviewed Malky and it was clear we had an outstanding candidate. His preparation was first-class and he knows the club very well.

“Malky knows the structure in place at the club and he demonstrated to all the committee his commitment to the cause and his vast industry knowledge to take on the managerial role at Watford.”

He added: “His understanding of the Championship is superb. Malky has spent 10 years in this league and knows the players and managers well.

“His achievement of three promotions as a player is incredible and above everything else he is hungry for success as a manager and wants to prove himself to everyone connected with this club.

“Malky had also been involved [in his old role as first team coach] in helping shape the club’s new five-year plan which maps out realistic aims for everyone to achieve.

“He is at the forefront of that plan now and we are all excited about the immediate and long term future at Watford.”

Winter said: “All the board is very, very happy with the appointment of Malky.

“He knows the club inside out and is fully aware of our important place in the community, the emphasis we have on our Academy and bringing through home-grown talent, as well as improving the senior professionals on a day-to-day basis to compete in the Championship.

“Malky has spent time learning his trade at Watford and is now ready for his next challenge.”