Walsall hold talks with Sean O'Driscoll

It comes as our poll revealed some 77 per cent of supporters back a move for the Wolverhampton-born former Liverpool assistant boss to take over.

However, it's understood that while O'Driscoll remains keen on the job, negotiations are not yet as advanced as simply thrashing out the finer details of a contract.

Sources reckon O'Driscoll, who has an impressive managerial CV with the likes of Doncaster Rovers and Nottingham Forest, wants to ensure he will be given full backing.

It is believed former boss Dean Smith and his assistant Richard O'Kelly recommended O'Driscoll to the Walsall board before the pair departed for Brentford.

And O'Driscoll is understood to want to formulate a strategy to build on Smith's work at the Banks's and gain promotion from League One.

Walsall directors have been taking their time to assess their options for the hot-seat and remain in no rush to make an immediate decision.

Current caretaker managerial trio John Whitney, John Ward and Neil Cutler have performed admirably since taking the reins last month.

They guided the Saddlers to the FA Cup third round to face Smith's Brentford with Tuesday's shoot-out victory over Chesterfield.

It is understood the board would be happy for the 'three wise men' to remain in charge for Sunday's televised clash with Port Vale at the Banks's.

O'Driscoll is hot favourite with the bookies to take over with odds yesterday further cut to 1-4. And fans remain keen on the former Willenhall Town player.

More than 750 Saddlers fans voted in our poll, with an overwhelming majority backing O'Driscoll for the job.