New Season ... New Manager Needed

As a Watford fan, I have got used to players and managers using my club as a stepping stone, but this time I thought it would be different.

On Friday, Cardiff announced that their new manager was going to be Malky Mackay - The Scotsman had been in charge at Vicarage Road for two seasons and looked to be building a decent young squad.

In year one, he led the team to finish 16th - this was then improved on last season when the team ended up finishing 14th but continuously flirted with the play-offs. Whilst Malky had built up a decent youthful squad he felt his future was away from the club.

A major positive was Danny Graham, he scored 41 goals in 98 games since joining the 'Orns from Carisle - he impressed everyone this season when he managed 27 goals in 49 games, and finshed the Championship's top scorer.

Sadly for Watford, all the goals got him noticed by bigger clubs and bids started to arrive from various suitors - West Brom, QPR and Swansea came knocking with bids of £2.5 million.

In the end, it was Swansea who got their man when ex-Watford boss Brendan Rodgers bid £3.5 million and gave the ex-Boro striker a chance to return to the Premier League.

As for current Swans' boss Rodgers, he had a brief spell in-charge at Vicarage Road - Having come to the club following Aidy Boothroyd's departure. During that spell he also impressed when he used his contacts to bring in players like Jack Cork.

As the season came to an end, the Northern Irishman talked about his plans for the club and what he was building only to also walk away - This time it was Reading who wanted our manager, having played and coached at the Berkshire club he said they were too close to his heart so reject.

So, after losing two good young coaches what next for the 'Orns? Sky Sports reported that Paul Dickov is in the running and the bookies have Stevenage boss Graham Westley as favourite. Other names linked include Brian Laws and ex-Luton player Gary Waddock - Two options that would not appeal to Hornet fans.

I just hope that whoever takes charge stays to build something rather than use us a stepping stone to a bigger club.

Scott Balaam

Twitter @footiefun