Walsall go for Neil Cutler as goalkeeping coach

The 36-year-old is leaving the same role at Scunthorpe United, with Iron boss Brian Laws revealing he will be moving to the Saddlers.

His arrival could be followed by 24-year-old goalkeeper Cameron Belford, a target for manager Dean Smith in his hunt for a new No.1.

Belford was released by the financially-stricken Shakers yesterday and is well-known by Cutler from his time coaching at Gigg Lane.

Cutler left Bury for Scunthorpe in March 2011 and was kept on as part of the club's management team following the arrival of Laws in November last year.

But the Iron have asked staff to take pay cuts in the wake of their relegation to League Two and Cutler, who was born in Perton, has requested a move closer to his family home.

Laws said: "We have agreed to let Neil go in principle and move to Walsall, nearer his family home. We are disappointed to lose him but I completely understand the situation and we wish him well.

"There is no doubt Neil has done a great job here."

Walsall have been without a goalkeeping coach since the 2008 departure of Eric McManus.

The long-term plan was for Jimmy Walker to take over goalkeeper coaching duties but he was released from his contract as player-coach in February.

Cutler began his career at the Baggies before moving to Crewe Alexandra and then Villa, where he made just one appearance.

He was then an integral part of the Stoke City team which won promotion to Division One in 2002.

But, after spells at Rotherham and Stockport County, was forced to retire in 2007 because of a persistent back injury.

Cutler then joined Bury in 2010, where he worked with Belford before leaving for Scunthorpe. Belford has been contacted by Smith about a move to the Banks's Stadium.

He would become the Saddlers first permanent keeper since David Grof had his contract terminated in March.