Oscar Garcia has stepped down as Watford's head coach and been replaced by Billy McKinlay.

McKinlay joined the Hornets as first team coach on Friday and Oscar has revealed he helped decide the Scot was the right man to replace him as head coach.

Oscar was only appointed as Golden Boys boss 27 days ago but was admitted to hospital 12 days later due to chest pains.

The 41-year-old was released a week later and the club and senior staff had suggested Oscar would be returning to work.

He attended Saturday's 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers in the directors box and after the match McKinlay said he hoped the Spaniard would return for tomorrow's match with Brentford.

Watford used a statement on their website this afternoon to stress Oscar's health was "no further cause for concern but he needs more time to rest and therefore, in consultation with the Hornets, he has decided it is in the club’s best interests for him to step down".

"I was closely involved with the appointment of Billy McKinlay, because I was aware that I may not be able to return," said Oscar.

"I always wanted an experienced British coach within our set-up, because it’s important to have that mix of cultures and experience with this squad.

"I would like to thank Watford’s fans for their kindness during my time here at the club. I will be hoping to see you all as a Premier League club next season."

Oscar's assistant coaches Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira took the team for the last three matches and McKinlay was also on the touchline at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Hornets’ chief exceutive Scott Duxbury added: "Everyone feels it is important that there is continuity in the coaching structure. Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira will therefore continue as Billy McKinlay’s assistants.

"We appreciate Oscar’s candour in placing the best interest of Watford FC ahead of his own personal thoughts and we wish him well for his future in football.

"In Billy McKinlay, we have someone with the qualities and significant experience to build further on the foundations already laid for a successful season ahead."

The Scotsman’s coaching career started with Fulham, the last club he played for prior to his retirement as a player in 2005.

McKinlay spent time under Chris Coleman as a player/coach and remained at Craven Cottage as reserve-team coach but took charge of the team alongside former Hornets boss Ray Lewington when Lawrie Sanchez was sacked in 2007.

He stayed with the club and worked as an Academy coach under Mark Hughes before stepping up to first-team coach when Martin Jol joined. He departed last December when Jol was sacked.