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David Kelly quits Walsall FC after just nine days

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Walsall assistant boss David Kelly today left the club to join new Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies – just nine days after he returned to the Saddlers.

moreThe Championship club appointed Davies today and a statement said Kelly will also return to Forest, where the pair managed together between 2009 and 2011, as his No 2.

Davies replaces Alex McLeish who left the club on Tuesday after disagreements with the owners over their transfer policy.

Former Saddlers striker Kelly re-joined the club last week as Dean Smith's assistant following the exit of Richard O'Kelly to Bristol City.

And O'Kelly only joined the Robins when Forest sacked Sean O'Driscoll in December – with the Wolverhampton-born manager then taking over at Ashton Gate.

A Walsall statement read: "We can confirm that David Kelly has today left the Banks's Stadium to link-up with Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest.

"The 47 year-old, who scored 63 goals in 147 games for the Saddlers during a seven-year playing spell, rejoined the club on a short-term basis as assistant manager last month.

"Kelly's short-term deal was always on the proviso that, should Billy Davies be appointed into a managerial position, he would be given the option to discuss linking back up with his former boss.

"Davies has today been reappointed manager at Forest and Kelly, who has worked under the Scot at Preston, Derby and during their previous spell together at the City Ground, has accepted the position as assistant manager.

The club would like to wish David well in his new role and thank him for his efforts during his short spell. The process of finding a replacement is now underway."

A Forest statement read: "Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce the appointment of Billy Davies as the club's new manager.

"Davies will be welcomed back together with deputy manager Ned Kelly, first team coach Julian Darby and goalkeeping coach Peter Williams.

"They will join assistant manager Rob Kelly and the team in driving the Reds forward to future continued success."