Possible candidate for the Northampton job becomes available

Sadler was among the favourites the last time there was a vacancy at Sixfields – when Jon Brady departed – following an impressive first full season at the Saddlers, however he has found himself under increasing pressure in recent weeks and months and his departure was confirmed on Wednesday. It means Walsall will now by vying with Northampton in the managerial market.

“As head coach, across 158 competitive games, Mat achieved the highest win percentage of any Walsall manager in over 25 years,” read a club statement. “He also oversaw the development and progression of numerous young players who made a significant impact within the men’s first-team and subsequently earned moves higher up the pyramid.”

Walsall co-chairman Ben Boycott said: “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."

Whilst Sadler would have been viewed as an attractive proposition at the time of Jon Brady’s departure 15 months ago, his stock has fallen dramatically in the last 12 months. Walsall went from champions-elect midway through 2024/25 to missing out on promotion altogether.

They were top of League Two again earlier in the current campaign but have slid out of the top seven and defeat to Salford on Tuesday left them 11th, three points adrift of the play-offs. It's also worth noting that Walsall average the lowest possession in the whole of League Two this season and they make the second fewest passes in the division.

Darren Byfield will take interim charge of Walsall, starting against Crewe this weekend.