WATFORD boss Malky Mackay has been surrounded by his new backroom staff at London Colney since the first-team squad returned for training and the staff were confirmed last week.

The Scotsman has appointed fellow former defender Sean Dyche as his Assistant Manager and David Kerslake as his First Team Coach.

Meanwhile Martyn Pert returns to Vicarage Road as Head of Conditioning/Coach after leaving the club last year.

Richard Collinge is now Head of Medical and is responsible for his team of physios and all medical matters.

Speaking about the appointments, Watford's new boss told www.watfordfc.com that he was thrilled to have the right people around him, as they get to work on preparing the squad for the demanding season ahead.

The Scotsman said: "I'm absolutely delighted at the quality of staff I have around me."

Going on to speak about his right hand man, the former centre half added: "Since Sean returned to the club, he has worked at every level from the youngsters in the Academy right up to the first team, where he supported me back in November 2008.

Dyche and Mackay oversee an early training session

"Sean has a great grasp of the structure of the club and the squad of players at our disposal."

Kerslake joins the Hornets after leaving Nottingham Forest with Colin Calderwood last December.

He is an experienced coach having worked at The City Ground and with Northampton Town and Tottenham's Academy.

Kerslake is a former defender who enjoyed spells with QPR, Tottenham and Swindon Town.

Mackay commented: "We have met over the years and he's someone who has always made an impression on me.

"He has an enviable record at the top level of football having played for Spurs, QPR and Swindon.

"Since being a coach he has worked at all levels from the Academy up to first team level.

"David has gained promotion at Nottingham Forest and has invaluable experience, he comes highly recommended and I'm delighted to have him at the club."

Kerslake (left) and Dyche at London Colney

The return of Pert is a huge bonus for the new gaffer as he looks for an experienced and trustworthy team around him.

Mackay said: "I must thank Fulham Football Club who have been very good to us to be able to get Martyn Pert back on board at the club.

"I think he's a superb re-acquisition for the club and he's one of the most talented people in his field in the country."

Mackay has kept faith with two close colleagues in the face of Goalkeeper Coach Alec Chamberlain and former Watford player Dyche.

He commented: "They are two highly talented individuals and two people who are passionate about Watford and also about the game of football.

"Their beliefs are very similar to my own and they believe in the way we're trying to move the club forward.

"Both have a high work ethic and they are people who I trust implicitly and they have the best interest of the club at heart.

Martyn Pert back at Watford

"Sean and Alec both have great experience at this level in terms of playing and they know the division like the back of their hand."

Finally the appointment of Collinge will see him responsible for the medical department and the treatment of first-team injuries.

"Richard's appointment is a natural progression for him" said Mackay.

"He is an incredibly talented physio and has been learning his trade of the last five years at the club.

"I believe he's absolutely ready to become Head of Medical at this Football Club.

"This is a key appointment and I have every confidence that Richard will become one of the main influences here.

"Richard has a very good work ethic and I know he is extremely passionate about his ideas for Watford."

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