WATFORD FC are today (Monday) delighted to announce Malky Mackay as their new First Team Manager on a three year contract.

The 37-year-old was the outstanding candidate after the club received around 50 quality applications for the vacant post.

Mackay is a former player at Vicarage Road, having joined in August 2005.

Having settled with his family locally in Berkhamsted, Mackay has been an integral part of the club's backroom staff since he started coaching during the 2006/07 season.

He has spent 10 years in The Championship as either a player or coach and has an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the league. 

The Bellshill-born former defender has a great knowledge of the current squad and the younger players coming through the club's pioneering Academy.

A selection committee of Chairman Jimmy Russo, Vice-Chairman Vince Russo, Chief Executive Officer Julian Winter and Director and former manager Graham Taylor were tasked with finding a new boss for the Golden Boys.

The panel unanimously agreed Mackay was the exceptional candidate for the job and everyone at the club looks forward to working with the former Scottish international.

Watford Chairman Jimmy Russo said: "Malky has all the attributes to be a good manager, he has great leadership skills and crucially gives us continuity at the club.

"He inherits a good set-up and I'm sure he can build on that. Malky is his own man and proved himself in the interview, overall I'm delighted with the appointment." 

During his career Mackay has gained three promotions to The Premiership, with the Hornets (2005/06), West Ham (2004/05) and Norwich (2003/04).

Mackay started his career in Scotland with Queen's Park before switching to giants Celtic. He then moved south in 1998 to join Norwich City.

The former Norwich defender made five appearances for Scotland during his playing days.

Mackay said: "I'm absolutely delighted to get the job.

"I've been planning for a few years with the aim of eventually becoming a first team manager.

"I couldn't have had any better grounding than what I've had at Watford over the last four years or so in the various roles I've undertaken.

"Now I'm just looking to the future and I can't wait for pre-season to begin so we can get to work on the training pitch."

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