Chris Marsh: Jon Whitney the man for the job

Whitney has been placed in charge of first-team affairs following the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll and looks set to remain at the helm for the remaining 12 games of the season.

But O'Driscoll's departure is not the only high profile change at the Banks's Stadium with chairman Jeff Bonser adding his older brother Robert, 72, to the club's board.

"Mr Bonser has been a long-term supporter of the club for many years and is a welcome addition to the board," said Saddlers chief executive Stefan Gamble.

"His vast experience and knowledge will strengthen the club moving forward."

Meanwhile, Marsh has thrown his support behind interim boss Whitney together with his assistants John Ward and Neil Cutler.

The coaches, who previously stepped in when Dean Smith left for Brentford, have been nicknamed the 'three wise men' by fans.

"The players know them and know how they work," said Marsh. "If it was me, I would give them the chance to take things on until the end of the season.

"I think they have earned that chance."

O'Driscoll was dismissed on Sunday after a run of six games without a win despite the Saddlers remaining well placed, fourth in League One, five points adrift of second spot with a game in hand.

Marsh, who made 497 appearances for the club between 1988 and 2001, added: "You have to ask whether they really have the time to go looking for another manager in any case?"

"Any time a new manager comes in, it takes time for players to adapt and learn their ways. It can disturb things.

"I think, at this stage of the season, they are better suited sticking to people they know. They still have a great chance of promotion."