Watford have appointed Malky Mackay as their new manager, replacing Brendan Rodgers who recently took over at Coca-Cola Championship rivals Reading.

Despite five games as caretaker manager in November last year, this is Mackay's first permanent management role and it was that experience that confirmed his desire for such a job: "I've been planning for a few years with the aim of eventually becoming a first team manager."

The selection panel unanimously chose the 37-year-old Scot from around 50 applications, and had no doubts that he was the man for the job. Chairman Jimmy Russo said: "Malky is his own man and proved himself in the interview, overall I'm delighted with the appointment."

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