Martin O’Connor: Walsall coach takes charge for rest of season
Walsall have confirmed first team coach Martin O’Connor has been placed in temporary charge of the Saddlers until the end of the season.
The 51-year-old will be assisted by John Ward, Andy Davies and Michael Oakes following the sacking of Dean Keates on Saturday.
Keates was dismissed following a 3-1 loss at home to Oxford, Walsall’s fifth consecutive defeat.
That result has left them sitting 22nd in the League One table – a point from safety – with just five games left to play.
O'Connor, a former Walsall player and coach, was returned to the club as a member of Keates' backroom team in February.
But he is now the man tasked with keeping the club in the division.
Walsall travel to take on fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Their final four games sees them face Southend, Wycombe, Peterborough and Shrewsbury.
A statement released by the club said: "Walsall Football Club can today confirm that Martin O’Connor will take temporary charge of first-team affairs until the end of the season.
"The 51 year-old will be assisted by John Ward, Andy Davies and Michael Oakes.
"The Saddlers have five games left of the League One season and currently occupy 22nd position in the table, just one point from safety.
“With fixtures against three of our relegation rivals in the coming weeks, we urge our supporters to get behind Martin and the team at this crucial time.”
