Watford have appointed a new head of academy from within the club and a head of football business from Falkirk.

The departure of former head of football business and development John Stephenson last month resulted in Watford splitting his role into two.

Watford manager Malky Mackay expressed his delight at Nick Cox’s promotion to the academy role when he announced the appointment at Sunday’s end of season awards dinner.

Cox has been at the club for a decade after joining the Hornets’ Community Sports and Education Trust as a football development officer in 2001.

The 33-year-old, who is a qualified teacher, coach and sports scientist, was previously head of education with the Academy and his role prior to the promotion was Academy manager for 12 to 16 year olds.

Cox has been heavily involved with the Harefield project and will continue to be, as he oversees the development of Watford players between six and 18.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been given this position, there was tough competition for the job and it was a rigorous interview process. Having been at the club for over ten years now, it is a huge honour to have the role and it is something I’ve been working towards for a long time.”

The new head of football business is Ross Wilson, who worked for Falkirk for seven years.

Wilson, who is in his late 20s, was promoted to head of football development and football administration in the summer of 2008. He was responsible for setting up their new recruitment network and handling player negotiations.