Next Walsall manager: Saddlers fans want Paul Hurst

The former Shrewsbury boss is available after leaving Ipswich in October and it is understood he is now keen to get back to work. Walsall are on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Dean Keates on Saturday.

First-team coach Martin O’Connor has been placed in caretaker charge for the final five games on the season.

But the hunt for a permanent manager is under way, with the club having already received a number of applications.

A poll on the Express & Star website shows Hurst is the overwhelming favourite with Saddlers supporters.

The former Rotherham defender has more than 50 per cent of the vote in a list containing seven other runners and riders.

But while Hurst is keen to get back in employment, he is believed be on the radar of a host of other clubs in the Football League who are considering changing their manager at the end of the campaign.

And it is understood he ideally wants his next job to be with an ambitious club that offers the chance to build a team capable of success.

That means Walsall are likely to have to sell Hurst a long-term vision if he is to return to the West Midlands.

The 44-year-old has an outstanding record in League One having guided Shrewsbury to the play-off final and to within touching distance of automatic promotion.

He also has an excellent knowledge of players in non-league, a market the Saddlers are likely to be keen to exploit in the summer.

Other names in our poll included Darrell Clarke, Chris Powell, Keith Hill, Keith Downing, David Kelly, Adrian Viveash and Dean Holden. Former Saddlers defender Adrian Viveash, who is currently assistant manager at Coventry, sits second in the vote with 13 per cent. Chris Powell, who recently left Southend United, with third on 10 per cent.