Sean O'Driscoll: I'm up for the Walsall job

Fans' favourite Sean O'Driscoll would be willing to speak to Walsall regarding their vacant manager's job – but has not been approached by the club.

The Express & Star understands the former Doncaster Rovers boss is keen on the vacancy made available following Dean Smith's departure to Brentford. However, the 58-year-old has not submitted a formal application nor has he spoken to any club officials.

O'Driscoll is looking to relaunch his managerial career after leaving high-profile coaching roles with England under-19s and Liverpool. He is friends with former Walsall number two Richard O'Kelly who left with Smith last week.

O'Driscoll and O'Kelly have a close affinity following their successful time together at Doncaster where they won promotion from League One and stabilised the club in the Championship.

And through that relationship, O'Driscoll, who is now permanently based in Wolverhampton, has watched the Saddlers on numerous occasions this season.

He has also previously managed established players such as Milan Lalkovic and James O'Connor and is known to favour the attractive brand of football Saddlers fans have grown used to.

News O'Driscoll is yet to be approached by the Walsall board is likely to be met with disappointment by fans, many of whom see the former Republic of Ireland midfielder as the ideal candidate to replace Smith.

A poll on a fans' forum yesterday showed 50 per cent of those surveyed want him to fill the role.

One manager who won't be heading to the Banks's is Malky Mackay who has odds of 20/1 with some bookmakers.

But sources close to the former Cardiff boss have indicated he has no interest in the vacancy.