by Joe McHugh How does a rookie manager gain the trust of the football godfathers?Through necessity in the case of Malky Mackay.
In his first managerial job in charge of Watford the former Celt has had to be imaginative and creative as he brings together a squad of players to make an impact in possibly the world's most competitive division- the Coca-Cola Championship.
Without spending a penny Watford are sitting comfortably in mid-table and earning positive reports with loan signings Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and Arsenal's Henri Lansbury catching the eye.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are the movers and shakers in management with chairmen hanging on their every word when it comes to recommendations and suggestions.
Mackay has used Sir Alex's Scottish, and Queens Park (Malky's dad was a Spiders team-mate of the then Fergie) connections, and the nearness of Arsenal's St Albans training base to convince Ferguson and Wenger that Watford is the right environment to develop the talents of Cleverley and Lansbury.
The Watford boss explained: “Both clubs have given us players which is pleasing, it's not something that I take lightly.
“I've been in touch with Sir Alex a few times, we spoke at a dinner last week and he'll phone me up to hear how the players are doing.
RELATIONSHIP
“We are next door to Arsenal and have developed a tight relationship with them and that hasn't always been the case between the clubs. Myself and my assistant Sean Dyche are promoting the club as a safe haven for them to send players.
“Manchester United and Arsenal feel that loaning their players to us will help their education and development.
“The players are coached by us and learn about the game in every way, especially in terms of discipline and professionalism. They are playing with and against men and reserve team football doesn't really provide that.
"The loan suits both sides, we hope that the players improve our team and the other club will get a better player back. There's a pay-off for both sides. It requires a level of trust and thankfully since the summer that has developed between the clubs.
"I send a monthly dossier to Manchester United and Arsenal of how their players are faring, it includes dvd highlights which keeps both clubs upto date with how their players are doing.”
As well as Cleverley and Lansbury Watford also have Craig Cathcart on loan from Manchester United. At the weekend Watford had players on international duty with Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
So far this season Mackay's young side have had an up and down season with a 5-0 defeat at West Brom coming soon after a resounding 4-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday and an impressive 1-0 win away at Middlesboro.
EXPOSURE
The Sheffield Wednesday result was especially significant with Sky Sports giving it the Friday night slot to ensure maximum exposure- and feedback.
“That performance was obviously very pleasing, after the match I seemed to have text messages from everywhere!” Mackay added.
"The fact that the game was live on television was great for the club. It was the only game in town on the night and it seemed that everyone in the football community was watching us.
"It was very pleasing that we played so well against a fairly experienced Championship team in Sheffield Wednesday. We were able to show our home fans and the bigger audience what we are capable of.
"At that stage I would say that it was our best display of the season but in our last game, against Preston, I felt we played better. Again that was satisfying because Preston are a strong Championship side."
Club fans may be missing their fix at the moment due to the international break but with an unrelenting schedule of 46 games, plus possible play-offs, any break is welcome for Championship managers.
Two weeks between games is a rare treat to patch up the walking wounded and get some work done on the training ground.
Despite beating Preston 2-0 in their last fixture Mackay is grateful for every break that he can get as he puts his stamp on the Watford side.
He explained: "These pockets of time at the international breaks are great for us. We've got quite a young and light squad and the break gives everyone time to recharge, patch things up then prepare for the glut of games coming up from now right through the Christmas period.
"The breaks are definitely appreciated."
PORTRAYED
With the Scottish game on it's uppers English football is often portrayed as the land of milk, honey and Sky Sports cheques.
Outwith the Premiership there are a few areas of wealth where owners chase the Premiership dream but for every Ipswich Town and QPR there are also fall-out clubs such as Southampton, Leeds United and Norwich City.
After two seasons cushioned by parachute payments from the 2007 relegation from the Premiership Watford are living within their means whilst striving upwards towards the Golden Ticket of the Barclays Premiership.
Matching expectations with realism is the task for everyone at Vicarage Road with Mackay well briefed about his club's finances.
He added: "There's been a transition period at this club in terms of finances. I know exactly what is involved, it's the same as the job that I was sold in the summer.
"I've been at the club for nearly five years and have an in-depth knowledge of what is going on, when I go to the boardroom for meetings there are no big shocks, I know how things stand.
"The situation might have come as a shock to others but not to me."
Mackay added: "It's a rebuilding job where we have to give young players their chance, there are going to be some tough times ahead, my budget is restricted but I've been able to bring in my own staff, people I trust to do important jobs and I have to delegate.
"That has allowed me to put my mark on the club, to create the sort of atmosphere that I want on the training ground.
"I am enjoying management, there are a lot of challenges day to day, my phone never stops and obviously it's a very results driven business. You're judged on a week to week basis and that effects how you feel but overall I'm enjoying it."
No comments:
Post a Comment