500/1 odds and a summer of change - what next for Darren Byfield and Walsall

A 3-0 debut success at Crewe Alexandra followed by a creditable goalless home draw against League Two high-fliers Cambridge United was enough to convince Trivela to hand Byfield the reins until the end of the season.

Walsall had become resigned to the prospect of an eighth successive season in the EFL’s basement division following a wretched run of just two wins from 14 games.

That had seen them plummet from the summit into 11th and spelled the end for Mat Sadler after over two-and-a-half years at the helm.

Byfield was left to pick up the pieces and started by immediately dispensing of the 3-5-2 to make way for a more fluid and front-foot 4-3-3.

The hand break was essentially off and 38-year-old Albert Adomah capped a vintage team performance with a brace and exquisite assist for Aaron Pressley.

Three days later, Walsall held their own against a Cambridge side that had lost just once in 22 games at the time.

In the end, they had to settle for a point despite creating the most clear-cut chances on the night and Byfield saw his interim period extended less than 24 hours later.

More drama was to follow when Alex Pattison drove home a 97th-minute winner from 30 yards out against Newport County to end an eight-match winless run at Bescot.

It felt as if the times were changing, but the same old problems have reared its head over the past three games.

Walsall momentarily climbed into the play-off spots when they took the lead at Colchester United via Harrison Burke’s finish from a tight angle.

They remained there for all of four minutes until Harry Anderson climbed highest to head beyond the reach of Myles Roberts.

It was all set-up to be a critical doubleheader over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, but Walsall were unable to deliver the goods when the pressure was ramped up.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi headed the Saddlers into a first half lead, but two defensive lapses gifted Ronan Hale and Seb Palmer-Houlden with a pair of Gillingham goals.

Daniel Kanu was able to salvage a draw with his 18th goal of the season in all competitions, but Byfield rightfully described the stalemate as “two points dropped”.

His response was to make no fewer than seven changes at Swindon Town three days later. Once again, Walsall took the lead when Jamie Jellis steered his first goal in 14 months beyond the reach of Connor Ripley.

Yet Vincent Harper was introduced to fill the void for a fatigued Connor Barrett, who was making his first appearance in two months, and was immediately thrown in at the deep end.

He failed to deal with a long throw forward by Ripley and Wolves loan man Fletcher Holman pounced to break in behind and curl his finish into the far bottom corner.

The late capitulation was complete when Aden Flint was preoccupied with claiming for an offside, when suddenly Holman sprinted into the box to square for Aaron Drinan to score.

In the space of five days, Walsall had gone from 12/1 odds for the play-offs to 500/1 after falling six points adrift.

It might not mathematically be the final nail on the coffin, but it was the penultimate one at the very least.

So where do Walsall go next? Byfield has four games to prove that he is the correct candidate for the main gig, although the past three results have raised questions over his capabilities.

His honesty has been refreshing, but the honeymoon period is now over, and his selection coupled with his in-game management has been somewhat naive during a costly Easter weekend.

There must be other candidates in mind and Trivela have a tricky summer to navigate with a new Head of Football set to be unveiled in preparation for next season.

That is set to precede the appointment of a new head coach, but with a number of players’ contracts set to expire, it’s important that the hierarchy begin to plan for next season.

Byfield has already confirmed that he has “no involvement” in contract negotiations - with no fewer than 11 of the current squad out-of-contract in the summer.

Tough decisions will need to be made and will determine just how significant of an overhaul the next head coach will need to undertake.

There is still a large core contracted beyond this season - including Harrison Burke, Mason Hancock, Vincent Harper, Alex Pattison and Aaron Pressley.

That stems from the change in tact over deals handed out to new signings last month, which was clearly done in order to build for the long-term.

But the squad is far from ripe and this summer will certainly be make or break in terms of how Trivela are perceived by the fan base, and shaping the future under their ownership.