Comment: Walsall opt for the popular call after Darren Byfield's "rousing audition"

His passion has chimed with the supporters and he has harnessed his close connection with the club to create a siege mentality. 

That of course only gets you so far, but from the evidence of the past two performances, Byfield has produced a rousing audition. 

Not only has he switched the system from a rigid 3-5-2 to a more fluid 4-3-3, but confidence appears to be flowing once again after a dismal start to 2026. 

It's right to point out that it's only two games and the ever-evolving nature of football means that plenty of twists and turns could still be in store. 

Byfield appointment - the 'most logical decision'

But the nature of the past two performances - and results - have suggested that appointing Byfield for the final eight games is the most logical (and popular) decision. 

Reports that Walsall had been in talks with former Aberdeen assistant and caretaker Peter Leven are now believed to be wide of the mark.

Darren Moore emerged as the early bookmakers' favourite and former West Brom and Aston Villa defender Liam Ridgewell was also linked to the post. 

Ex-Gillingham and Barrow manager Stephen Clemence was in the crowd during the Saddlers' goalless draw against Cambridge United on Tuesday night. 

But Walsall have reached the decision that Byfield is the strongest candidate for the League Two run-in. 

CEO Ben Sadler has announced Walsall will be appointing a new head of football and that that recruitment process will run alongside their search for a new head coach.

How a bold approach from Byfield paid off 

In many ways, Byfield has had nothing to lose. He has been bold with his selection, proactive with his in-game management and has helped create a significant momentum shift in such a short period of time. 

There are now eight more games left for Walsall to seriously push for the play-offs - with just two points currently separating them from Grimsby Town in seventh. 

Had Trivela pulled the plug on Sadler earlier then perhaps the revival could have been on the cards much sooner, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. 

Eight cup finals loom for Walsall

The future is the most important thing to focus on heading into the League Two run-in and Walsall have every chance of salvaging something from the campaign. 

To sweep aside a fellow play-off contenders in the form of Crewe and to restrict a rampant Cambridge side to scraps three days later bodes extremely well. 

There is also plenty of scope for evolution in terms of selection under Byfield. He has spoken about his desire to play Courtney Clarke on the wing - while Jid Okeke, Aaron Loupalo-Bi and Rico Richards have also been trialled out wide. 

Rico Browne is showing strong early signs as a right-back and the threat in attack could increase if leading scorer Daniel Kanu can end his seven-game goal drought. 

Eight cup finals ultimately lie ahead and Byfield can now focus on the task at hand, which is to end the Saddlers' seven-year wait for promotion.