Walsall set to reach decision in 'coming days' over interim replacement for Gary Waddock

CEO Ben Sadler confirmed in his latest statement on the club website that Waddock will start a period of a "number of months away" from the club to undergo an ankle operation. 

Waddock has been struggling with the issue since pre-season and will temporarily step away from his duties after the Saddlers' trip to Accrington Stanley on Saturday. 

The club are considering bringing an interim assistant on board, although Sadler stressed that a decision is yet to be reached. 

"We'll see if we want to bring anyone else in. We've spoken to a few people and we'll make a decision in the next few days in terms of what that looks like," boss Mat Sadler revealed. 

"In terms of us and what's left behind, I've got a very good coaching team anyway. Darren Byfield, Dan Still and Jonathan Fenners." 

Waddock arrived at Bescot as assistant to Sadler during his first summer at the helm in 2023 and penned a two-year deal the following summer. 

Sadler has wished Waddock all the best in his recovery, as he undergoes his operation next week.

"That's been bubbling away with Gaz since pre-season. He's a very proud person and you can see that he has been in pain at times with his ankle," he added. 

"We've been aware that this was going to happen at some point. Then it finally accelerated about four weeks ago and we knew he would need to have time off. 

"Most importantly, we wish him well because it has really affected him, as it would do, because he has not been able to get about in the same way he would want to. 

"It's been very painful and he was given the option of an ankle replacement, which he didn't want to do, or this ankle fusion operation. 

"He has spoken to other people who've had it in the past and it has a really good success rate."