New Watford manager Malky Mackay spoke of his delight after agreeing a three-year deal at Vicarage Road.

And the 37-year-old believes the experience of playing for the Hornets and spending several years on the coaching staff will stand him in good stead for the future.

"I'm absolutely delighted to get the job," he told the club's official website. "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 undertaken. Now I'm just looking to the future and I can't wait for pre-season to begin so we can get to work on the training pitch."

Watford chairman Jimmy Russo added: "Malky has all the attributes to be a good manager, he has great leadership skills and crucially gives u continuity at the club.

"He inherits a good set-up and I'm sure he can build on that. Malky is his own man and proved himself in the interview, overall I'm delighted with the appointment."