League Two club Walsall have today confirmed caretaker boss Mat Sadler as their new permanent head coach.

He is the Saddlers’ choice as the long-term successor to Michael Flynn, who was sacked towards the end of last season.

Former defender Sadler had two playing spells at the Poundland Bescot Stadium and will now lead the club into the 2023/24 season.

Walsall said they had handed him the reins after a “thorough evaluation process”.

Co-chairman Ben Boycott said he was “pleased and confident” in the appointment.

“I believe in who he is and who he can become as a football professional,” he said.

“I believe in who he is as a leader, and most importantly I believe in who he is as a man with high integrity, outstanding grit and determination, and strong personal values which match the culture that we are trying to build at Walsall FC.”

Sadler said: “It goes without saying that I will give it absolutely everything to make sure it’s a success over the coming years.”

Walsall finished 16th in the 2022/23 League Two season. Flynn has since taken charge at Swindon Town.