Mackay's Watford were pre-season favourites for the drop

Watford boss Malky Mackay says he has not been approached by Newcastle United regarding the assistant manager's role.

The Scot, 38, who became Hornets manager in the summer of 2009, has been linked with the position of Alan Pardew's number two at St James' Park.

"At the moment no contact has been made, I'm not someone that's going to instigate things like that," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"At the moment no contact's been made between the clubs."

After flirting with relegation in his debut season at Vicarage Road the former Celtic defender is so far enjoying a better campaign this term.

606: DEBATE This is part of being a manger in the modern game - using the media to send messages to fans, board, other clubs, players etc Roger68

Despite having a shoestring budget and a young squad Mackay has led Watford to 10th in the Championship, four points off a play-off spot.

And the ex-Norwich City captain says he appreciates being linked to a club like Newcastle.

"It's flattering to be linked to such a big and prestigious club like that. But my focus is on Sunday [against Ipswich]," he added.

"You've got to look at these things as and when they come up and what the situation is, but at the moment my full focus is on us over the Christmas period here."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version