Candidates in the dark over Walsall job

Candidates to fill the managerial hot-seat at Walsall remain in the dark over the vacancy, the Express & Star understands.

The Saddlers have been on the hunt for a new boss ever since Dean Smith moved to Championship outfit Brentford more than a fortnight ago.

Sean O'Driscoll, Mark Cooper, Adrian Viveash, Jose Dominguez, Dean Saunders and Dean Holden are all among the favourites with bookmakers for the job.

But the Express & Star understands none of those contenders have been approached by the Saddlers board.

Walsall face Chesterfield tonight in an FA Cup second round replay with caretaker managers Jon Whitney, John Ward and Neil Cutler in charge.

It now seems likely those three coaches will remain in the dugout for Sunday's League One clash with Port Vale, as the board continues to assess their options.

Despite the lack of movement, a string of high-profile managers continue to express their interest in the role.

Sources close to Saunders confirmed to this newspaper he would be interested in moving to the Banks's, after leaving his role as Chesterfield manager.

Dominguez also reiterated his desire to fill the vacancy, but revealed he isn't expecting to hear from the board until next week.

He said: "It would be fantastic for me to take over at Walsall and I am more than capable.

"I get a lot of love in the Midlands and I know the area very well – it would be the perfect opportunity to progress my management career.

"I have applied for the job and I was told that they have three games in a week and, after that, they will start to make a few decisions. Now I am waiting and will be available if they call.

"Hopefully, we can have a meeting so I can speak with the club about the direction it wants to move in."

Meanwhile, the club has confirmed Saturday's game at Fleetwood, which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday January 26.