Walsall have seen an instant turn in results since parting ways with Mat Sadler last week. But now the club is set to make a crucial decision over the vacant position.
Sadler was shown the door after a 1-0 defeat against Salford City last Wednesday, with former player Darren Byfield taking interim charge of the club.
Now, according to reports from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the caretaker manager is set to be given the job until the end of the season, with the Saddlers’ play-off push still very much alive.
How Has Darren Byfield Done For Walsall?
Having taken charge of two matches, the 49-year-old has led a sharp upturn in results to keep Walsall’s stake in the promotion race alive.
First, he led his Saddlers squad to a convincing 3-0 victory away against play-off rivals Crewe Alexandra, courtesy of goals from Albert Adomah and Aaron Pressley. Walsall were extremely convincing at Gresty Road, limiting their opposition to practically nothing, while unfortunate not to have won by more.
Last night was impressive for different reasons. Hosting a Cambridge United side that had scored five goals last weekend, fans saw a return of the defensive resilience that had defined Walsall’s first half of the season, earning a valuable point with a clean sheet to match.
In an interview with BBC West Midlands after the victory at Crewe, the former player has expressed his adoration of the club, and willingness to the job asked of him:
“I will prepare for Tuesday until I’m told not to,”
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m just a guy that loves football. I love working with players, and I love Walsall Football Club, so whatever happens, I can be happy with how they performed today.”
Is This The Right Decision From Walsall?
The 49-year-old’s influence has been clear, as forward Jamille Matt has been clear about:
“It’s continuity, but Daz is always a positive influence. He knows all of the lads because he has been in the building,” said the striker.
Giving Byfield the role until the end of the season feels like a sensible decision. The club would still be expected to explore other options beyond the season, while Byfield is given a critical period to prove his capability to manage the Saddlers into the 2026-27 season.
And this current Walsall side has shown that they can be a team worthy of being in the promotion conversation. He is clearly keen to take the role on for as long as possible, and making constant changes at this point of the season could potentially upset the camp.
After two impressive results against their promotion rivals, the West Midlands side now sit just two points outside of the play-offs. And the opportunity to make it into the top seven is very much there for them.
Hosting league strugglers Newport County this weekend, their fixture list also contains a string of matches against Cheltenham Town, Harrogate Town, and Barrow – presenting a great opportunity to put pressure on those above them.