WATFORD'S brand new First Team Manager joins www.watfordfc.com for his first interview since being announced as the club's new boss earlier today (Monday).

The Scotsman is the new man at the helm and is looking forward to leading the Hornets in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.

He 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 had."

It appears that Mackay's caretaker role last season simply confirmed what he already knew - that he wanted to become a first team manager. Those five games in charge certainly whet his appetite. 

"I took over as caretaker back in November and have experienced working with the youth and reserves. Now I'm stepping up and I'm ready to take that into the first team.

"It's good that I've had a taste of what is to come. By the time I finished my caretaker role there was nothing that frightened me, I was more determined than ever and I thoroughly enjoyed it as well.

"The players were playing for me and if you lead players they want to follow.

"But it's also a credit to the players and staff for their response during that difficult time for the club."

Plenty has changed at Vicarage Road since then and with a new Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and board of directors in place - the club goes into the new campaign with something to prove.

Malky will need to draw upon all of his experiences in football over the forthcoming months and he notes the various personalities he has worked under during his playing days.

"I've worked under an array of mangers during my career - so I have been lucky" commented the former centre half.

"Liam Brady at Celtic was someone who has played at the top level, while I learnt a lot from Tommy Burns.

"At Queen's Park I learnt about discipline from Eddie Hunter and Frank Connor at Celtic had a big impact on me too. 

"Wim Jansen, the Dutch coach, brought a host of new ideas that hadn't been seen at that time. He was very technical and thought differently to everyone around at the time.

"Bruce Rioch brought me to England with Norwich and was a leader in his time. He had a certain approach to things and I liked his standards.

"While Alan Pardew at West Ham secured the club promotion and he handled the mentality of a big club, the fan-base and handling the different personalities.

"Then finally at Watford I've been lucky enough to work with two young managers.

"Aidy brought me here to Vicarage Road and his man-management skills were very good, while I'll take plenty from Brendan's work on the training ground during his time at the club.

"So all in all I've had a wide spectrum, in little ways, I've take something from all of them.

"You also obviously learn on the coaching courses and the people you meet.

"I was lucky enough to meet and later work with Dick Bate [former colleague at Watford].

"He has an incredible encyclopedia of knowledge, so that is very pleasing and has stuck with me."

Mackay certainly won't stop learning and he's sure to soak up plenty during his first few months in charge at WD18.

The former Celtic defender has been doing everything he can to make sure he is armed with as much knowledge as possible for when this opportunity finally comes.

The 37-year-old has just passed the Certificate in Applied Management for Football at Warwick Business School. Previous students include the current England U21 boss Stuart Pearce and Manchester City's Mark Hughes.

Mackay is also four months away from finishing his Uefa pro-licence course in conjunction with the Scottish Football Association.

The new boss originally joined the Golden Boys in August 2005 and his experience was a vital factor in the club gaining promotion to The Premiership the following May.

Slowly but surely his attention has turned to coaching but now that his playing days are behind him he's 100 per cent concentrating on management now.

His focus now turns to the start of the season in August, in what will be his first as a manager.

Mackay has already had an influence in the Hornets' pre-season plan and he can now stamp his own authority on the squad as he shapes them for that first game come Saturday 8 August.

"We now have to look forward and make sure we get off to a flying start on day one of pre-season" added the former Scottish international, who won five caps.

"The programme has already been written and the players will be ready and willing - and looking to improve our position.

"There will be a few new faces, a little bit of anticipation perhaps, but we're all looking forward to the task ahead."

When quizzed as to what the Vicarage Road faithful can expect of the new manager - his result was no-nonsense and straight to the point.   

"The fans will see the person that I am" confirmed Mackay.

"And that is the person I have been throughout my career.

"As I was when I was the captain of Queen's Park and Norwich, I will be here to lead - along with the great staff that I'll have around me.

"I want to breed the correct ethics and values - such as team spirit, honesty and a willingness to learn.

"I want the supporters to enjoy coming to see Watford play and the players will give their all for the cause."

The club's key aims and objectives are also clearly close to Mackay's heart as he's gained an in-depth knowledge over the past few seasons of the core values the Hornets hold close.

"When I came to Watford what struck me was how alike it was in terms of its community spirit and values to Norwich City" said Mackay.

"And speaking to Graham Taylor over the last few days that has hit home even more and how important that is to everyone at the club.

"The way the club embraces the community is superb, and myself, the staff and players have a role to play in that.

"The club wants to spread the badge across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

"Our Academy is central to the club and the project at The Harefield School is incredible.

"The 12-16 year-olds at this club receive three times as much contact time as any other players in the country - that is an amazing statistic.

"That route to the first-team is there for them. Just 18 months ago Ross Jenkins was in the Academy as a scholar and it shows the youngsters that they aren't a million miles away, you just need that belief."