Mark Cooper and Lee Clark set sights on Saddlers hot-seat

Mark Cooper and Lee Clark are two of the high profile managers interested in the Walsall vacancy, the Express & Star understands.

Cooper, who lives in Solihull, left his role as Swindon manager in October having guided the Robins to the League One play-off final last season. He is also one of the leading candidates to fill the vacancy at Chesterfield – who Walsall play tomorrow in the second round of the FA Cup.

Clark is out of work after leaving Blackpool but previously impressed in League One at Huddersfield.

Neither manager has officially applied for the vacancy but would welcome the move if approached by the Saddlers board, we understand.

Another candidate is club physio Jon Whitney, who is currently in caretaker charge alongside coaches John Ward and Neil Cutler.

Whitney impressed while taking a lead role in Tuesday night's 3-1 win at rivals Shrewsbury.

And when asked about the vacancy, the former Lincoln City striker – who has odds of 12/1 with some bookmakers – refused to rule himself out of the running.

"If I had some money I would put it on myself at 12/1," Whitney joked.

"It's one of them, we take one game at a time. I am here to help the club and it was a team effort against Shrewsbury."

When asked whether he would rule himself out, Whitney added: "I haven't ruled myself in, I'm here to give the players my enthusiasm and energy – where that takes me, who knows?"

However fellow coach Ward – who heads betting markets – yesterday ruled himself out of the running.

"I don't see myself going back into management whether that's here or elsewhere," the 64-year-old said.

"I'm at an age and stage where I'm happy to be an advisor, helper, coach and be on the training ground.

"I'd rather just leave the problems to somebody else, if I'm being honest."