Walsall in no rush to find new boss

Chief executive Stefan Gamble has confirmed Walsall are in no rush to appoint a new manager.

The Saddlers have received around 50 applications to succeed Chris Hutchings, who was sacked last week with the club bottom of League One.

They drew 3-3 with relegation rivals Tranmere on Saturday to remain eight points from safety.

Walsall go to Bristol Rovers tomorrow in another crunch clash at the bottom but Gamble insisted the board will take their time.

He said: "We're not going to rush into any decision because it's important we get this right.

"It's got to be the right decision for the club and we're looking to make one which will benefit the club in the long-term.

"We're not thinking about League Two when we're appointing a manager, we're appointing one to keep us in this division.

"When you appoint a manager it's one of the biggest decisions we as directors can make, if not the biggest, and we're taking it very seriously. It's got to be given due consideration.

"The standard is very varied, there are some very good candidates and some not so good candidates."

Caretaker manager Dean Smith, who will be in charge for the trip to the Memorial Ground, is yet to reveal whether he wants the top job.

But Gamble admitted if the head of youth gets results he will be in the frame.

He said:?"If he starts winning football matches then of course Dean is in the running. He is in possession of the job at the moment but we've got to look at all the options available to us.

"Dean is very capable, he was involved in the first team at Leyton Orient for many years. He knows this club inside out and he's an ideal person to come in at short notice."

Gamble is confident the Saddlers can beat the drop to League Two but knows results must improve quickly.

He said: "We're under no illusions we've got an uphill task but there is a belief we can get out of it.

"There is still half of the season remaining and there are a lot of points to play for.

"We have got to go on a good run to give ourselves a chance."