Malky Mackay will not be on the touchline for Watford’s first two games of the season due to a sending off he received more than five months ago.

Mackay will spend his first competitive match as permanent Watford boss tomorrow in the stands after receiving a two-match ban at the end of last season.

The Scot was the Hornets’ first-team coach when he was sent to the stands by referee Nigel Miller during the 3-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in March.

Plymouth’s Paul Gallagher had just put his side in the lead from the spot when Miller’s assistant “took offence” to a comment made by Mackay.

The 37-year-old said: “Scott Loach was facing a penalty and the linesman kept talking to Scott before the penalty, telling him to keep back on the line.

“I had a talk with him as he went back up the line and he took exception to it, so I have learnt my lesson.

“It is a bit ironic that for the first time I take charge of the game officially as manager, I will not be standing in my usual position but you have to get on with it.

“I have total confidence in my staff, in Sean Dyche and David Kerslake and I will be sitting up with Alec Chamberlain.”