WATFORD boss Malky Mackay headed away from Vicarage Road much earlier than expected today (Saturday), as the freezing conditions alongside an under-soil heating malfunction put paid to the Hornets' home clash with Swansea City.

The gaffer is still waiting to see his side in action at home in 2010 after two postponements so far this year.

However, there was some good news for the Scotsman as he discussed the arrival of his latest signing.

Central defender Martin Taylor, 30, arrived from Birmingham yesterday (Friday) and Malky spoke of his admiration for the no-nonsense former Blackburn Rovers man.

He said: "I'm delighted with the signings we've made, getting Martin in on Friday has been a real boost for us as he's experienced and has played a lot of football at a high level.

"He's a big dominant centre back and there were two or three clubs interested in him so I'm especially pleased.

"I must say thanks to Birmingham City and Alex McLeish for the way they handled the transfer.

"Martin came down to have a chat with myself and Graham Taylor. I wanted to talk to him about football, coming here and playing for a good period of time.

"I think there comes an age where you want to play regularly; he could have quite easily sat there at Birmingham for the rest of the season."

A former centre half himself, Malky compared the signing to his arrival at Vicarage Road back in August 2005.

Malky's experience complimented the side that Aidy Boothroyd had assembled - and the current gaffer hopes Taylor's style will fit in alongside the youthfulness he has in his team.

"I liken it a little to my own situation when I came to Watford" added Malky. 

"I was at West Ham but I wanted to play football every week. I told Martin that, he's a good lad to talk to and he's an older head. We want him to come in and offer that experience to the group.

"He's got a chance to come here and stamp his authority on this Football Club for the next few years."

Whilst that signing has pleased the manager, there was no hiding his frustration as he and the Golden Boys will have to fit in another game into an already packed schedule.

He commented: "We're very disappointed as everybody was raring to get back to Vicarage Road again, the fact the ground was solid and the under-soil heating didn't work is disappointing.

"We want to get back to work as soon as possible. The pitch was absolutely unplayable, I desperately wanted the game to go ahead and I'm sure Paulo Sousa would have wanted it to as they had travelled."

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