Walsall have appointed Lee Grant as their new head coach, ending their search for a permanent manager following Mat Sadler's sacking in March. The 43-year-old former goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, replacing Darren Byfield who had been caretaker boss since March.

The appointment brings a manager with mixed recent experience. Grant spent three years on the coaching staff at Ipswich before landing his first senior management role at Huddersfield Town last year. Despite guiding the Terriers to sixth in League One, he was sacked in January after just eight months in charge.

"I'm super delighted and proud to be the new head coach," Grant stated upon his appointment. The former Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley and Derby goalkeeper emphasized his attacking philosophy, noting his teams have "scored lots of goals" and developed players well. Grant faces the challenge of transforming Walsall's inconsistent form into sustained success.