WATFORD boss Malky Mackay is looking forward to rekindling some happy memories when his side travel to Carrow Road for next Friday's all-important npower Championship curtain-raiser (7.45pm kick-off).
Mackay was hugely popular with the Canary faithful during his time as a stalwart central defender at Norwich from 1998 until 2004, when he notched up 230 league and cup appearances and weighed in with 15 goals.
The big Scot was a key figure in the 2003-04 First Division title-winning side and memories of his full-blooded contribution to that season and throughout his time as a Canary should ensure a great reception from the home fans on Friday, before the game kicks off and the Canaries and Hornets go toe-to-toe.
"I spent six really happy years up at Carrow Road," Malky told First News.
"My son was born in Norfolk and we had some great times there. I remember standing on the balcony of the City Hall with 50,000 people down there when we won the Championship and there were plenty of good times on the field too, such as the play-off final.
"There's a lot of good people there so I'm delighted that we are going back there this season. To throw it up so early in the campaign is great and live on TV as well, the first Friday night before everyone else kicks off, makes it that little bit more special.
"They are good people who run the Club, Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn Jones.
"They have a great amount of passion for Norwich City and the amount of commitment, time and money they have spent on that Football Club shows that.
"They were very good to me in my time up there."
DERBY DAY: Malky celebrates scoring against local rivals
Ipswich Town with the Canary faithful
As if Malky's rock-solid Norwich City connections weren't enough to add spice to what is already a mouth-watering start to the npower season, the Hornets boss will be crossing swords with an old Celtic colleague in the shape of City boss Paul Lambert.
"It will be good to see everyone again, including Paul Lambert as well who I played with at Celtic," said Mackay.
"We've kept in touch since those days and now I'm delighted that he took over at Norwich and got them back in the Championship where they belong."
Tickets are now on general sale for City's npower league opener against Watford on Friday, August 6 (7.45pm).
To purchase your seats go online, call 0844 826 1902 or visit the Carrow Road ticket office.
