WATFORD Chief Executive Mark Ashton has today revealed that the Club are nearing a natural conclusion in their search for a permanent manager at Vicarage Road.

With Malky Mackay set to take charge of his fourth game for the Hornets this weekend, the Board of Directors have sifted through the 50 plus serious applicants and have moved to interview a number of prime candidates for the role, including the temporary boss Mackay.

Speaking to the official club website, Mark Ashton said: "We have conducted several very successful interviews during the course of this week and are moving towards a time where we will make a firm decision on the Club's next manager.

"The quality and calibre of the candidates that have applied for this job shows that it remains an exciting and much sought after position.

CEO Mark Ashton with Community Club of the Year Award

"The process has been as thorough as you would expect and we have taken our time to really look hard at the qualities needed by the next manager and who fits those criteria best.

"We'll be having some serious conversations over the weekend to determine the next stage of our process, but are hopeful we will be in a position to name the next permanent manager sooner rather than later."

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