Speculation linking Dover Athletic manager Andy Hessenthaler to the vacant role at Watford ended today after the Championship side appointed Malky Mackay.

The Whites boss (pictured right) was amongst the bookmakers’ favourites to land the management job at the club where he enjoyed several enjoyable seasons and made over 200 appearances.

Hessenthaler himself, however, remained focused on his job at Dover and last week reacted to the rumours by insisting he was staying put.

Mackay replaces Brendan Rodgers, who recently left the Vicarage Road club to join Reading.