Ray Graydon: Jeff Bonser will make the right Walsall manager call

Walsall legend Ray Graydon has backed chairman Jeff Bonser to make the right call when appointing a new manager – as Jon Whitney closes in on the role.

Whitney is expected to be named permanent head coach this week after impressing in the role following the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll in March.

The 45-year-old will hope to follow in the footsteps of Graydon who won promotion with the Saddlers to the old Division One back in 1999 and again in 2001.

That achievement has led to the former Villa winger being affectionately nicknamed 'Sir Ray' by supporters.

And if Whitney does get the job, Graydon believes he will get all the support he needs from Bonser and board.

"When I was manager I was very fortunate that I had some fantastic people around me," Graydon said.

"One of those was Jeff, we had a great working relationship.

"He just wanted what was best for the team and he never once gave me any bother. He didn't interfere, he just tried to help as best he could. Of course, Walsall have never been one of the most wealthy clubs, but it's not all about money.

"Jeff won't have rushed into any decision and he will be there to support the new manager whoever it is."

Graydon admits he was impressed with Whitney's management of the team when he stepped up from assistant manager to the top job.

"I thought he did extremely well," the 68-year-old said. "Of course there was disappointment in the play-offs but before then his record was excellent. Now he has to keep his head up and do the same again.

"He won nine out of 13 games in League One and if that ratio is repeated they will go up automatically.

"Whatever way he goes about it, he needs to maintain that record and if he can better it."

Meanwhile, Graydon said he hopes to return to the Banks's early next year after being forced to cancel an appearance in April due to having his tonsils out.