Walsall have officially relieved manager Mat Sadler of his services. This comes after a run that saw the club win only once in their last eleven league fixtures, which now has the club 11th in League Two despite mostly occupying the automatic spots throughout the first half of the season.
Sadler first took charge at the Bescot on an interim stint. But in May 2023, he was rewarded with the job on a full-time basis.
His position at the club has been a contested debate amongst fans and neutrals alike. Many will remember the manner in which the West Midlands side faltered in the second half of the season, after holding a heavy lead in first place to finish fourth on the final day, missing out on a return to League One.
Sat only three points adrift of the final play-off spot, this year’s promotion race is not lost for Saddlers yet. So their next appointment will need to encourage an upturn in form if the 2025-26 season is going to be anything for Walsall fans to remember.
This article will explore five manager potential options Walsall could consider for the task at hand this season, and beyond.
Darren Moore – Unattached
Recently parting ways with Port Vale, Darren Moore has always shown the ability to bring performances out of a side that has quality.
In his stints with Vale, West Brom, and Sheffield Wednesday, Moore has always known how to get good quality sides into the promotion picture, which is exactly what Walsall will need in the closing ten fixtures of the campaign.
Based on his time with Port Vale, concerns can be raised about his ability to adapt a side to a better division. However, he was dealt with the departure of Lorent Tolaj to Plymouth Argyle in the closing stages of the summer window.
So if Walsall’s short-term objective is to secure a position in the division’s top seven, they have a squad Moore could certainly work with in the short term.
Ryan Lowe – Unattached
A popular name in the League One and League Two managerial market at the moment, Ryan Lowe is more than proven at League Two level.
Recently parting ways with Wigan Athletic, it was not long ago that Lowe was regarded as one of the brightest up-and-coming managers in England.
Having won promotion from the level before with some excellent squads at Plymouth Argyle and Bury, he was also able to build an Argyle side that was competitive at the sharp end of League One.
It remains to be seen whether he would drop to League Two level; however, there is no doubt that he would be an excellent appointment for the Saddlers.
At the League Two level, Lowe has always enforced a distinct, positive play style that has often been rewarded with fantastic goal returns. He could certainly have an impact at the West Midlands club both this season and beyond.
Alan Sheehan – Unattached
Alan Sheehan parted ways with Swansea City earlier this season, but his tenure with the Swans did show promise for the young manager.
With the South Wales side, the Swans were difficult to break down but struggled at the top end of the pitch. And at 39 years old, it would not be a surprise to see another club take a chance on Sheehan.
Walsall’s next appointment will likely be made with a look to balance their short-term objective and a long-term plan, so if Sheehan were to come in and improve the Saddlers, then they could approach next season with a lot of hope for their side.
And if he was able to enforce a defensive stability for the remainder of the season, their squad does carry a lot of goal threat from set pieces, and with their strike partnership of Daniel Kanu and Aaron Pressley.
Darren Ferguson – Unattached
Throughout his career, Darren Ferguson has always shown the capability of securing promotion. And given Walsall’s current position, it still isn’t impossible.
A highly respected figure at EFL level, he often enforces a free-scoring, positive approach with his teams, which would likely benefit a Walsall side with the likes of Kanu and Pressley leading the line.
There is a potential red flag with Ferguson’s tenures with Peterborough United and Preston North End often being short; however, his results-oriented approach could be hugely beneficial for the West Midlands club’s current position.
The Saddlers have been crying out for promotion in recent years, and the 54-year-old is a specialist at delivering just that.
Andy Butler – Scunthorpe United
Andy Butler is one of the brightest up-and-coming managers in England currently.
While their form of late has faltered, Scunthorpe have had an excellent season, with the club currently challenging for a second consecutive promotion after many had the club for mid-table mediocrity in the National League.
A recent promotion winner who knows how to steer his team to results and adapt to circumstances, Butler would certainly be a positive appointment for the club’s long-term ambition, and potentially for their short-term goal.
Whether he would leave Scunthorpe with their likely play-off campaign approaching remains to be seen, but Walsall would undoubtedly be an upgrade for the up-and-coming coach.