Mat Sadler confirms Walsall are "closer" to appointing a new interim assistant

Sadler has confirmed that Walsall have identified an individual for the role and that a replacement will soon be announced.

Walsall 'closer' to appointing new interim assistant

"We're a little bit closer. I had someone in the back of my mind because I knew something may or may not happen with Chris," Sadler said. 

"So I knew that was always possible. I've had a couple of people in my mind if it did happen and there's definitely somebody that's closer now."

Powell's departure has meant that Walsall's backroom staff have been a man down for the past week, but Sadler has praised his coaching team for being able to adapt.

"Everyone is very hands on anyway. Darren Byfield busies himself on a match day and he's out there driving the group," he added.

"Jonathan Fenner works incredibly hard whether it's here [at the training ground], or on a match day. 

"So everyone has just been chipping in to make up for what the extra coach normally does. 

"I love that extra voice most importantly and maybe a couple of the other staff have had their voices heard a little bit more in the last few days. 

"It's only been a week and we won't be without for too much longer."

Gary Waddock targeting return 'before the end of the season'

Assistant Gary Waddock was forced to step aside from his duties for a "number of months" to undergo ankle surgery. 

The 63-year-old is recovering well from his operation and Sadler has revealed that he will be targeting a return before the end of the season.

"Yes, definitely before the end of the season," he responded.

"Gary is without doubt targeting that, but we wish him the best in his recovery for now."