Jon Whitney took advice for Walsall job

Interim boss Jon Whitney revealed he consulted with a number of high-profile managers before accepting the Walsall job.

The 45-year-old, who the Express & Star understands has been given the reins until the end of the season, secured a 4-1 victory at Chesterfield in his first game in charge.

Whitney was previously assistant manager to the departed Sean O'Driscoll and was head of the club's medical department under Dean Smith.

And the former defender has learnt from the managers he has worked with as well as Walsall coaches John Ward and Neil Cutler.

Whitney said: "I have spoken to a few managers and I have got John Ward who sometimes makes me think 'hold back there' because I am very spontaneous.

"Neil Cutler makes me think about things and look at things. I am not one of those people who goes gung-ho. I listen to the people around me.

"I have got friends in the game. Warren Joyce who is at Manchester United. Dean Smith is a friend.

"I took stuff from Sean O'Driscoll which had helped me. I played under Neil Warnock and Brian Little. John Beck was huge for me.

"I am taking little bits from all of them, the best bits. Then if I can add my personality to that – let's see where it takes me."

Meanwhile, Whitney was delighted with the support he and his team were given in Saturday's victory at the Proact Stadium, with the Saddlers boss hoping for same backing when they travel to Fleetwood tomorrow.

He said: "The fans were absolutely brilliant at Chesterfield. As soon as we came out for the warm up – you could see they were bubbling.

"It is a great credit to them. It's awkward sometimes – money is tight in the modern day but if they can get themselves up to Fleetwood, that would be great.

"It will have a massive impact on the players."