Walsall yet to speak to applicants
Walsall have revealed they are yet to speak to any managers about their vacant hot-seat.
Walsall have revealed they are yet to speak to any managers about their vacant hot-seat.
Two weeks after sacking Chris Hutchings, the Saddlers have started shortlisting the 90 applicants but are no closer to an appointment.
The club have insisted they are in no rush to replace Hutchings, who was axed on January 4, but with the team bottom of League One an appointment is necessary.
Head of youth Dean Smith is in caretaker charge but is not sure he wants the top job.
Speaking at last night's fans' forum, chief executive Stefan Gamble admitted the club haven't made contact with anyone yet.
In response to a question about managers' wages, said: "People know what to expect from a League One club but we haven't spoken to any individual yet so it's difficult to gauge what their demands are going to be.
"We have shortlisted those who have applied and will also now look at those who have not applied who may want to go on our wishlist.
"There are those who have managed at the top level in the Premier League right down to those who have not got any experience at all and have just finished playing.
"Time is of the essence and we have not given up this fight."
Gamble also praised Smith's handling of the situation, with the atmosphere and football having improved during his brief tenure, and reiterated he is a candidate for the job.
The chief executive said: "Dean is a highly thought of and experienced coach, the only thing he hasn't got is experience as a number one but he knows this division and the division below better than most people.
"If Dean puts a few results together, and by that I mean wins, he throws his hat into the ring."
Hutchings, who joined Ipswich as assistant manager yesterday, was sacked following a shocking run of results.
Gamble described some of the football under him as "painful at times" and insisted the next appointment must be a crowd-pleaser.
He said: "Whoever comes in we want them to be real football people so the fans have something to cheer about when they go home."
