Hornets - Business as usual

Caretaker boss, DeMerit and Smith focused on trip to Swansea

Last updated: 4th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hornets - Business as usual

Mackay: Focused

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Watford caretaker manager Malky Mackay admits Aidy Boothroyd's departure has come as a shock but insists life goes on at Vicarage Road.

According to Watford chairman Graham Simpson, former manager Boothroyd left by 'mutual consent' on Monday following a run of disappointing form, which sees the Hornets sat in 21st position in the Championship.

The decision brought to an end Boothroyd's more than three-and-a-half-year stay at the club and Mackay has been placed in temporary charge.

Mackay confesses that the Watford squad have been surprised by the exit of Boothroyd - who led the club to the Premier League in 2006 - but he is adamant that it will be business as usual ahead of Sunday's trip to Swansea.

Folklore

"There was a bit of shock," Mackay told Sky Sports News.

"But that soon goes and the players get on with their job and their life. The club moves on and that is life.

"I think he (Boothroyd) will eventually go down in Watford folklore, but times go on. We all have to look forward.

"We had a meeting this morning. We will be preparing as normal."

Danger

Meanwhile, defender Jay DeMerit is hopeful Watford can now climb away from relegation danger.

"It is a little bit different, but you understand that these things can happen," added DeMerit when asked about life after Boothroyd.

"First and foremost, we need to come together as a club and try to use this in the most positive way, use it as a lift or whatever you want to call it."

DeMerit's team-mate Tommy Smith is also looking to the future as preparations begin for the weekend journey to The Liberty Stadium.

"It is mixed reactions. It is a bit of a surprise, but it is a new era now," said Smith.