Former England coach who worked with Gareth Southgate added to Mat Sadler's Walsall backroom staff
Mat Sadler has bolstered his Walsall backroom staff with the addition of former England coach Chris Powell.
It was confirmed last week that the Saddlers would be without assistant boss Gary Waddock - who is briefly stepped away from his role to undergo an operation.
And the club have moved quickly to bring in an interim replacement - with Powell being brought in.
The 56-year-old who enjoyed a lengthy career as a player, moved into management and has had roles with Charlton, Huddersfield and Southend United.
He has also held a number of coaching roles with the likes of Leicester, Tottenham and most recently Sheffield Wednesday - while also being involved in the England set up under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Powell, who has previously been awarded an MBE for his services to football - has revealed the move has been in the pipeline in recent weeks.
And he also explained how he has already done his homework on the in form Saddlers ahead of taking the role.
He said: “A few weeks back I received a phone call and it was Mat Sadler.
“We’d seen each other before at various functions, football dinners but nothing too deep. We had a good chat, he told me what was happening and if I’d be interested.
“It piqued my interest and we spoke a few times on the phone. I came in and had a chat with him for a couple of hours and then I came in the following week to watch them train but from a distance and eventually I said yes it would be a good idea for me to come in and add to what they already have.
“There’s a good culture here, a good environment and when I’ve watched them train and watched the games on my iPad, because I thought it was best to look from afar, but I really like what I see and hopefully the way things are going they can carry on for the team and for the football club.
“I love watching games, I was at West Brom v Leicester on Friday night but there’s nothing like being on the touchline, there’s nothing like improving people, improving players and being with a group that has a common goal.
“The club wants to achieve something and hopefully I’ll have a small part in that but the bigger picture is trying to improve people, players and the football club as a whole.”
