Watford keen to keep boss Mackay

Last updated : 06 January 2011 By BBC Sport

Watford chief executive Julian Winter has issued a hands-off warning to clubs interested in boss Malky Mackay.The Hornets manager has been linked to the job as Alan Pardew's assistant at Newcastle United, as well as the managerial vacancy at Burnley.

But Winter insists that Watford, sixth in the Championship after five straight wins, have had no approaches.

"We've had no interest and we don't welcome any," Winter told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"The beauty of Malky is that he understands the bigger picture.

"It's important you get everyone on the same page and Malky has been pivotal in taking that view."

Mackay's men will look to extend their seven-game unbeaten run against Hartlepool in the FA Cup on Saturday.

And the Hornets are donating all profits from ticket sales to the charity Marie Curie Cancer Care, understood to be a first in a competitive English football game.

If Mackay goes to Burnley, he's a fool. Even if he's dead set on leaving before the season is out, better offers will come along in the VERY near future

North North Watford

The generous move comes barely 12 months after the club avoided going into administration and Winter insists that it is a financially viable gesture.

"The club does have a tight budget," he said. "It is still a fairly challenging year to be competitive in the Championship.

"Yes, the football club last year went through a fairly well publicised bit of drama. But the donation is all relative in term of the club's overall revenue.

"We thought this would bring massive support to Marie Curie.

"There's a sense of the whole club coming together to support something, which can have a really positive effect."

Winter added that he could give no further information on a possible takeover at Vicarage Road.

Majority shareholder Lord Ashcroft entered discussions with a mystery buyer in December over selling his stake in the Hornets' parent company Watford Leisure.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport