Walsall have opted to part company with head coach Mat Sadler after a run of three successive defeats has left their bid for promotion from League Two in tatters.
The 41-year-old landed his first managerial role at the Bescot Stadium in April 2023, two years after he had called time on his playing career at the club. The long term ambition was to return the Saddlers back to League One having been relegated from the division in 2019.
After achieving a mid-table finish in his first full campaign, Sadler looked on course to romp to the League Two title last season. They entered 2025 12 points clear at the top of the table, but a dramatic fall off saw them finish fourth, where they were eventually beaten in the play-off final by AFC Wimbledon.
It’s been a similar story this season. Once again top at Christmas, Walsall have won just twice since the turn of the year to slip to 11th. Last night’s 1-0 defeat at Salford City proved to be the final straw, with the club announcing his departure this afternoon.
Walsall Opt To Pull Trigger
It was looking increasingly likely that Walsall would have a major decision on their hands. Winless at home since Boxing Day, their plunge down the table over the past few months means a place in the play-offs is out of their hands.
Rumours surfaced this morning that the former Birmingham City defender had departed, which was confirmed this afternoon. In a statement, co-chairman Ben Boycott thanked the outgoing head coach:
“I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the significant efforts and contributions of Mat, both as a professional and as a person, during his time at the club.
“We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him the very best for the future.”
What Next For The Saddlers?
Walsall have 10 games to save their season and currently sit just three points behind seventh-placed Grimsby Town. Automatic promotion is almost out of the picture though, with 12 points separating them and Cambridge United in third.
Coach and ex-player Darren Byfield will take charge on an interim basis for Saturday’s clash with Crewe Alexandra, who are two places and three points ahead in the table. After that, the West Midlands-based outfit will attempt to end their woes on home soil against title challengers Cambridge.
Although Sadler once again made the team competitive, it does appear as if he wasn’t able to take that final step. As such, this decision appears to be the right one.
