Interim Darren Byfield open to managing Walsall but "not looking too far ahead"
Darren Byfield has revealed he would be open to managing Walsall, but that any decision over the appointment of the new head coach is out of his control.
The 49-year-old has been put in interim charge of the Saddlers following the dismissal of Mat Sadler after over two-and-a-half years at the helm on Wednesday.
Byfield had worked as first team coach throughout Sadler's tenure and will be in the dugout for the Saddlers' trip to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday - with an appointment likely to be made next week.
The play-off winning hero has insisted he will take charge for as long as is required, but is putting his sole focus on getting back on track following a run of just two wins from 14 games in League Two.
'This is my football club - it's as simple as that'
"I'd love to manage and that has always been my aspiration to do that. I never look too far ahead because I'm not in charge and I'm not in control of that.
"I enjoy being first team coach at Walsall, I'd enjoy if I was assistant manager and I will enjoy being the manager of Walsall as an interim.
"This is Walsall Football Club. It's a club that the fans, the staff and anyone associated with the club knows means an awful lot to me. This is my football club - it's as simple as that.
"I will do the job that I'm asked to do until told not to, or to do it for longer."
Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom defender Liam Ridgewell has become the latest name to be linked with the post.
Ridgewell currently works as assistant to Phil Neville at Major League Soccer outfit Portland Timbers and is in the frame for the vacancy at Bescot - according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Ex-West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale boss Darren Moore was also the early bookmakers' favourite.
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