Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay is performance director of the Scottish FA after a stint as manager of Wigan Athletic. The former Scotland defender strove to play in the Premier League late in his career after overcoming a series of knockbacks. Mackay has the remarkable record of being promoted to the top flight in three successive seasons with three different clubs. It was at the third attempt that he achieved his ambition of turning out in the top flight. Malky enjoyed a distinguished six-year spell at Carrow Road as a mainstay of the side that won promotion as Division One champions in 2004 and being named in the section's Team of the Year. The experience repeated itself at West Ham the following season when the Upton Park club climbed into the top division. But in 2006, Malky got his wish after helping Watford to promotion via the play-offs. He made 14 Premier League appearances before becoming first-team coach and then stepping up as caretaker manager after Aidy Boothroyd's departure. Mackay remained on at Watford as coach when Brendan Rodgers was appointed manager taking over the hot seat in the summer of 2009 when Rodgers left for Reading. Mackay guided Watford to two positive finishes in the Championship. He was also awarded the manager of the month for March 2011. He later enjoyed a fantastic first season in charge at Cardiff as he guided the club to their first ever League Cup final, where they narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy, by losing to Liverpool in a penalty shootout. Malky also guided the club to the play-offs after finishing 6th in the npower Championship. In 2012/13, Malky then guided the club to promotion to the Barclays Premier League to end their 51-year absence from the top flight. He also ensured they won their first league title since they topped the old Division Four in 1992-93 by winning the Championship. This success resulted in him being named the Championship Manager of the Year. Bellshill-born Malky - who played for Queens Park and Celtic in his native Scotland - won five caps as a 32 year old latecomer to the international scene. Malky is also a graduate of the LMA's Certificate in Applied Management.