Whitney steps down as Walsall No 2

Walsall were today searching for a new assistant manager after Jon Whitney revealed he will step down from the role.

Walsall were today searching for a new assistant manager after Jon Whitney revealed he will step down from the role.

The move will spark a major backroom reshuffle with the Saddlers looking for a new No 2, coach, chief scout and head of youth.

Whitney will revert back to his position as first-team physio, after a spell as Dean Smith's assistant last season.

The 40-year-old was promoted by Smith after the Saddlers boss succeeded Chris Hutchings in January and the pair, along with Chris Nicholl, kept the Saddlers in League One by a point.

But Whitney is contracted to the club until next year, so doesn't need to sign a new deal and will work under his existing terms.

Walsall also need to resolve the futures of Nicholl and centre of excellence manager Graham Biggs.

Former Saddlers boss Nicholl was brought in as an adviser by Smith and the manager has confirmed he wants to keep the ex-Villa defender on next season.

Nicholl preferred to remain in the background but was hailed by the team as a major part of the Great Escape.

Biggs took over the youth set-up when Smith was named first-team boss, but the club are yet to make a full-time appointment.

[24link]