Billy McKinlay only discovered he would become Watford’s head coach early this afternoon and says he has mixed emotions after taking over from Oscar Garcia.

The Hornets confirmed today that Oscar would be stepping down as the Golden Boys boss as he continues to fully recover from chest pains he suffered on September 14.

After speaking with the Spaniard late this morning Watford owner Gino Pozzo - who was accompanied by Oscar - swiftly asked McKinlay if he would like to take charge of the Hornets early this afternoon, something he said was a pretty easy decision.

The 45-year-old was adamant no plans were in place for him to take over the side prior to today and stressed: “Nothing happened at the weekend. We reported after the game and it was business as usual on Sunday and Monday morning training.

“The session was as we thought it would be, but then I spoke to Gino and Oscar and they informed me of Oscar’s decision.”

He continued: “I have mixed emotions because Oscar brought me to the club. To be honest, I was 100 per cent shocked because he has been recovering well and I expected that to continue.

“I thought he’d be back in business as soon as possible, so it is a complete shock. It’s bitter sweet because I have huge respect for Oscar and he brought me to the club.

“But once I’d spoken to the owner, and he told me he wanted me to take over, it was a pretty easy decision to be honest.”

McKinlay only joined the Hornets last Friday as part as the Spaniard’s backroom staff. He says it was Oscar who approached him last week regarding the first-team coach role and added there was no inclination from Oscar that he would step down. 

He also stated he had not been interested in the Watford head coach's job prior to Oscar’s appointment at the start of September. 

The former Fulham midfielder was alongside Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira on the touchline for the 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Oscar was in attendance at Ewood Park and watched the game from the directors boss, he also passed little messages to his coaching staff throughout the game.

Oscar was on the sidelines at London Colney yesterday during the Hornets' training session and also watched this morning's training session at Vicarage Road. 

So it came as a surprise to everybody, including McKinlay, that the former Barcelona midfielder departed today.

He said: “I think his recovery has been fine but he obviously feels he needs a little longer to be at 100 per cent.

“You have to respect that and it is a brave decision to be honest. He has put the club’s interests very high in terms of priority.

“But he’d planned training this morning. I’d spoken to him yesterday and I’d spoken to Ruben and Javier this morning about what they wanted to do. So to say it was a shock is probably an understatement.”

McKinlay remains Northern Ireland's assistant manager but says he will speak to Pozzo regarding whether he will continue in the role. 

When he spoke to the press this afternoon, he also said the length of his contract had yet to be discussed and that he hadn't thought about bringing in any further members to his backroom staff. 

When Oscar joined the club, he brought with him assistant coaches Martinez and Pereira.

Despite his departure, the Spanish duo will remain with the Hornets as - according to McKinlay - Pozzo wants as little upheaval as possible. 

He added: "There is a pedigree and a quality staff who are capable of doing well here.

“He sees the coaching staff as having a nice blend. So he wants me to step in but not change too much.”

While Watford haven't been at their best for the majority of the campaign, the still sit fourth in the Championship table after nine matches. 

Promotion to the Premier League is the Hornets' aim this season and McKinlay says he has no problem with those expectations. 

"Gino said when I was brought in as first-team coach to Oscar that I had qualities that could enhance the club, now he just wants me to take those forward," McKinlay explained. 

"I know the ambitions and expectations the club and what will be required to be successful. I have no issues with that."

He added: “I’ve only been here four days but I’m very impressed. I’ve seen a couple of games this season and a few more last season and I think the squad is healthy.

“I know the expectations and ambitions are high and I am happy with that. I fully expected that to be the case.”