Former Hornet Andy Hessenthaler has joined the list of ex-Watford players to play down rumours linking them with a return to Vicarage Road as manager.

The 43-year-old made almost 200 league appearances for Watford but said he is “loving every minute” as player-manager at Ryman Premier side Dover Athletic, who he joined in May 2007.

The former Gillingham boss has enjoyed a lot of success at Dover and his side are currently top of the league, following last season’s promotion from Ryman Division One.

Hessenthaler joins former Watford stars John Barnes and Kenny Jackett to play down reports linking them with the manager’s job at Vicarage Road.

Malky Mackay became caretaker boss after Aidy Boothroyd’s departure last week but lost 3-1 in his first game in charge on Sunday.

Talking to BBC Radio Kent, Hessenthaler said: “I've not spoken to Watford. Obviously there's always going to be speculation about people, especially ex-players.

“It's nice to be linked with it but I'm concentrating on what I'm doing here.”

He added: “Aidy Boothroyd's gone but as far as I'm concerned I've got to keep focusing on what I'm doing at Dover. I'm loving every minute of it and that's going to continue.”