beating Preston North End in the final to reach the Premier League. Mackay was released before playing a top flight game. Watford Mackay was picked up on a free transfer by Aidy Boothroyd as part of his rebuilding of Watford and soon become one of the key figures in Boothroyd's side. Mackay was involved in some excellent defensive displays as well as scoring some vital goals, including one against fierce rivals Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in a 2–1 victory. At the end of the 2005–06 season Mackay achieved the feat of being promoted to the Premier League for the third successive season, as Watford defeated Leeds United 3–0 in the play-off final. After having been released following his two previous promotion campaigns, Mackay was assured by Boothroyd that he would play a part in Watford's Premier League campaign, citing his experience as an important asset to the team. Although he was not a first-team regular, Mackay made 14 Premier League appearances in 2006–07. In January 2007, Mackay took his first step into coaching by being promoted to first team coach, following the departure of Dave Hockaday. In the 2007–08 season Mackay's only first team appearance came during an FA Cup match against Wolves in January 2008. He took over as caretaker manager at Watford on 4 November 2008 following the departure of Aidy Boothroyd. International career During his sixth and final season at Norwich, at the age of 32, Mackay became the oldest man to make his debut for Scotland in 37 years. It came in a 1–0 defeat to Denmark; Mackay later played in a 1–0 victory over Estonia and a 4–1 win against Trinidad & Tobago. In total, Mackay won five caps for Scotland. Coaching career Watford After Brendan Rodgers resigned in June 2009, Mackay took over as the manager of Watford. Watford drew 1–1 on their league visit to Reading on 26 September 2009, and by their second meeting late in the season Rodgers had been dismissed by Reading after only a few months in charge. As for Mackay and Watford, 2009–10 was a difficult season where their Championship status was under threat for a long time, but by the end of April survival had been achieved against Reading, ending the season 14th place in the league. Cardiff City Mackay signed a three-year contract as Cardiff City manager on 17 June 2011, with Watford receiving an