Walsall promote Graham Biggs to academy manager

Biggs has been a youth coach at the Banks's Stadium for the past 16 years, helping to guide the likes of Will Grigg, Rico Henry and Kieron Morris into the Saddlers first team.

He replaces Neil Woods who left the club last month to join Grimsby.

"In the 16 years, Graham has played an integral part in promoting young players through our academy system and into the senior squad," said chief executive, Stefan Gamble.

"He's worked in a variety of roles across the age groups and shares the same philosophy and culture which is engrained within fabric of the club.

"The board are confident that his experience and knowledge of the academy system will continue to serve the club well and wish him every success in his new role."

A UEFA A licence holder, Biggs is now determined to provide even more players for the Saddlers first-team.

"I'm immensely proud to have been given this opportunity," he said.

"I've been here for 16 years and have a deep affection for the club and the people who work tirelessly to make it a success.

"I've been privileged to have worked alongside three excellent academy managers (Mick Halsall, Dean Smith, Neil Woods) all of which I regard as friends and top coaches who have helped me develop my skills and management as a coach.

"This academy has been crucial in nurturing and developing young, talented players and promoting them through the system and into the first team.

"Some of them have since moved on to other clubs but their grounding and chance in the professional game is still very much rooted to Walsall Football Club.

"It's something that we as a club pride ourselves on and it's an aspect of our academy system which I'll look to continue and build up on.

"I'd personally like to thank the board for putting their faith in me to take on what is an important and valuable position at the club.

"I'd also like to thank the manager, Jon Whitney and his first team staff for their support.

"We need to maintain a strong and close link between the academy and aenior set up and our relationship will be vitally important going forward.

"My overall ambition now is to continue the outstanding work which has gone before me and strive to increase the club's existing reputation as one where young players can thrive, express themselves and ultimately forge a long and successful career in the professional game."

Boss Whitney admitted he was delighted to see Biggs handed the role.

"Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Graham on his appointment," he said.

"It's great to see the progression in one of our coaches and it's important we bring continuity to the coaching structure.

"Nobody who knows more about players in this area than Graham.

"He's been instrumental in the initial stages of bringing new players to the club and then leading them through the academy and into the first team.

"He deserves this opportunity and I'm sure he'll look to make a few subtle changes and put his own stamp on the system.

"Our relationship will be key moving forward and it's our job to ensure a smooth transition for players who make the leap into the senior set up."W