Darren Byfield keen to make his mark with Wood
Darren Byfield believes he and Walsall Wood are the perfect fit after being named the club’s new manager.
The ex-Villa and Walsall striker has replaced Gary Birch in the ML Safety Stadium dugout, with his one-time Saddlers team-mate becoming Wood’s director of football.
Byfield has arrived hungry to kick-start a managerial career which has so far failed to take off during spells at Redditch and Stratford, both of which were seriously hampered by off-field issues.
The 42-year-old quit the latter club last month after just six games in charge but hopes he has now found the ideal platform.
“This club excites me,” said Byfield. “I have a chairman who will let me manage, who will back me.
“Everything here is set up to be successful, both on and off the pitch. I know I can do it.
“This is what I want to do. I want to be a manager. Sometimes, it is all about finding the right club and the right people behind the club. I believe this is the right place for me.”
Birch, who led Wood to the Midland League Division One title last season, opted to step down as manager due to work commitments, though it is understood he will still have some say on player recruitment in his new role. His entire backroom staff have also been retained, with Gavin Hurren continuing as assistant boss.
Byfield was approached on Birch’s recommendation, having initially been offered a place on the club’s coaching staff when he left Redditch last December.
Walsall Wood lost 2-1 at home to Worcester City on Saturday and Byfield hopes to bring in several new faces to a strong but currently injury-ravaged squad.
“We’re in negotiations over people we want to bring in for Saturday’s game with AFC Wulfrunians,” he said.
“We’ve got around seven or eight key players out with injury at the moment and we need some help. I’m confident we can still have a successful season.”
Byfield won’t be the only new manager in the dugout this weekend.
Wolves Sporting have also made a change, with former assistant Steve Hinks returning to try to reverse their fortunes.
It follows the departure of Amo Sandur after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to South Normanton – Sporting’s 12th straight loss in all competitions and left them sitting 19th in the table.
Sporting Khalsa are fourth after a 2-0 win at Boldmere St Michaels, Lye drew 3-3 at home to Shepshed Dynamo, while AFC Wulfrunians thumped Dunkirk 5-1.
