Halsall in shock move to Molineux

Wolves today landed a massive coup after tempting youth supremo Mick Halsall away from Walsall.more

Wolves today landed a massive coup after tempting youth supremo Mick Halsall away from Walsall.

The Saddlers head of youth has moved to Molineux as assistant academy manager after 10 years at the Banks's Stadium.

Halsall is recognised as the region's best youth coach and will work alongside academy director Kevin Thelwell, with special responsibility for the 16-18-year-old age group.

He replaces John Perkins, who moved to Derby County in April, and will also work with head of recruitment Alan Travis at Compton as he hopes to add to the young and hungry ethos at Molineux.

But the Saddlers are now faced with replacing the man who has nurtured the likes of Leicester City's Matty Fryatt and Scott Dann, who completed a £4m move to Birmingham last month.

Thelwell said: "We're delighted to have Mick on board in what is a fantastic appointment for the club.

"Mick is one of the best developers of youth talent in the country and is very well respected in the game.

"At Walsall he has been responsible for the development of the likes of Matty Fryatt and Scott Dann and as well as being vastly experienced he knows the area extremely well.

"We're hoping he can join up very quickly to be able to fly out with the under-18s at the weekend as they head off to take part in the Gothia Cup in Sweden."

Only yesterday Halsall was present at the Banks's Stadium at the youth team photo call for next season and was talking about his hopes for the new intake.

In February he turned down the chance to become academy manager at Stoke City after the Potters failed to agree a compensation package with the Saddlers – something which wasn't a problem for Wolves.

Eight of last season's Walsall first team were made up of former trainees, with another three signing professional deals in May – a testament to the work Halsall has done.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey added: "I'm delighted and can confirm Mick is joining. His capabilities in this area are very well known. He will be a superb addition to the academy staff.

"I'd also like to thank Jeff Bonser and Roy Whalley who have been terrific and co-operative."