Walsall appoint Steve Hale as goalkeeper coach
Walsall have appointed Steve Hale as the club’s new goalkeeping coach.
The former Swindon and Forest Green Rovers man replaces Neil Cutler who joined Albion last month.
Hale, who has a UEFA Goalkeeping A licence, spent nine years at Swindon and played a key role in the development of current Rangers number one Wes Foderingham.
He then moved to Forest Green Rovers and has gone on to join the Saddlers following an extensive interview process.
“I’m really pleased to join Walsall,” Hale said.
“It was all finalised over the last few days and I was in training on Tuesday with Robbo (Liam Roberts) and Gilly (Mark Gillespie), who are both great guys.
“Now it’s all about getting ready for a massive game on Saturday at home to Blackburn!
“Everyone is talking about Liam at the moment - he’s 23 and in the team having come through the ranks from 14 - while Gilly has got 180 league games under his belt at just 25 and he’s still developing.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to work with two talented keepers at that young age.”
Manager Jon Whitney said he delighted to add Hale to his backroom team.
“Steve is experienced and when I’ve spoken to him, that comes across and he can handle himself in the first-team environment,” the boss said.
“He’s a different voice, which is no bad thing for the goalkeepers.
“I want Steve to keep the keepers enthused, make the session really dynamic. He’s good on his statistics and he’ll be a help from set pieces as well.
“He’s going to add a lot during the run-in and I’d like to welcome him to Walsall Football Club.”
