David Kerslake admits he is "thrilled about the challenge" after being unveiled as first-team coach under Malky Mackay at Vicarage Road.

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender has more than ten years experience in coaching where he won promotion at Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest alongside Colin Calderwood. But after six months away from the training ground he is delighted to be back in the thick of the action after his unexpected appointment.

The 43-year-old said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. When Malky took the job before, everyone in the league realised he had done a good job. I had a phone call and was asked to come down and have a chat. I'm a London boy so I've been to Vicarage Road many times and it's a proper football club so I'm thrilled to be here.

"There are a few places you go to that feel like a proper football club. I used to love going to Blackburn with the old stadium, Aston Villa, Anfield and down the lower leagues we used to go to Huddersfield in the old stadium and Watford. You just felt this is a real football club and real supporters so it's a privilege and thrill to be here.

"But the thing I'm really excited about is the new challenge and proving myself to Malky, Dyche and the rest of the players. It will get me out of the comfort zone and that's the most appealing thing from a personal point of view."

Kerslake says it did not take long for Mackay, who he knew from coaching courses and plenty of battles on the football field, to convince him to take the role at Watford and was immediately impressed by the new manager's ideas.

"He's always been a top pro and well respected man," Kerslake said. "When I had the chat with him on Monday I got on really well with him and just clicked. Thankfully Malky then offered me the job.

"He was incredibly busy so it took about ten days to actually meet him. I was sitting on my hands for a bit and was desperate to come in but as soon as I did it happened very quickly.

"I'm very impressed. He told me exactly what he wanted with regards to how he wanted people to behave. He was a top regarded player and I'm sure that's what he will show the league and other managers in this role."

When asked what he will bring to the Hornets, Kerslake replied: "My work ethic. I'm sure the players will see enthusiasm from me. I've got a massive passion for the game and I'm convinced they will enjoy the sessions I put on. But most importantly you've got to be at it every day, all day. There will be no let-up in any discipline."

Kerslake only discovered his appetite for coaching after a spell with Spurs' Academy but once he started became hooked on the role.

He said: "I've got to say I love the coaching side of it. When I finished playing I got a call from Tottenham and they said they would like me to take a group.

"I didn't think I was going to be that fussed but I went in and had a group of Under-14s and I was hooked on it. You just can't stop bettering yourself in the way you do it. You look at other coaches and put your own twist on it. I absolutely love coaching and being out on the grass.

"Obviously there is pressure on a Saturday but looking at the boys here they've come back in good condition and I can't wait to get the balls out and get going really."

Kerslake, who started his career at Queens Park Rangers, is relishing the opportunity to bring youngsters into to the first team and insists the club's financial limitations mean it will be a major aspect of his new job.

"It looks like there are a good young group coming through," he said. "That will be part of my role to nurture them through the reserves into the first-team squad and hopefully full debuts before going on and playing a lot of games for Watford.

"Malky has made it quite clear that's what he wants me to achieve. I will be dealing with almost a young development squad but they will be working extra on technical skills. It will be a great thrill, the more players we can get through. But I think that's going to come from the chairman down. I think the Watford supporters would like to see home-grown talent come through. It's something you should strive for but you probably have to now with the financial problems most clubs are having."