Mackay named as Watford manager

Watford have today confirmed Malky Mackay as their new manager.

The former Celtic, Norwich and West Ham defender, 37, has agreed a three-year deal and replaces Brendan Rodgers, who quit to join Reading earlier this month after just 192 days in charge.

Mackay, capped three times by Scotland, finished his playing career with the Hornets and remained on the coaching staff.

He had a five-game spell as caretaker manager after Adrian Boothroyd's departure in November.

"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," Mackay told the club's official website, www.watfordfc.com.

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

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

Mackay's first signing is tipped to be Scotland midfielder Scott Severin on a free transfer from Aberdeen.

However, a number of Watford's players, including John-Joe O'Toole and Tommy Smith, have been linked with moves elsewhere this summer with money tight at the club.

Hornets 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."