Walsall sack Dean Keates
Dean Keates has been sacked as Walsall manager.
The 40-year-old, a Saddlers hero after winning three promotions with the club as player, was relieved of his duties following today's 3-1 loss to Oxford.
That defeat has left Walsall sitting 22nd in League One table and with relegation a real possibility with just five games of the season remaining.
Keates, who is from Beechdale in Walsall, leaves the club after just 13 months at the helm.
A statement released by Walsall said: "Walsall Football Club have tonight parted company with manager Dean Keates with immediate effect.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Dean for all his hard work and dedication during his time with the Saddlers and wish him well for the future."
Speculation that Keates would be sacked first around when he failed to emerge for his post-match press duties.
Owner Jeff Bonser and first-team coach Martin O'Connor then held a meeting in the stands at the Banks's Stadium which was visible to the onlooking media.
However, a club official confirmed there would be no further news on Keates' dismissal – or who might replace him – today.
