Chris Nicholl returns to Walsall

Chris Nicholl was today back at Walsall after answering rookie boss Dean Smith's call to arms.

The former Saddlers manager, who took them to promotion from the old Division Three in 1995, has been invited by Smith to help their safety bid.

Nicholl looked on as Walsall lost 2-1 at Exeter on Saturday, Smith's first game since being appointed boss until the end of the season, which left the Saddlers nine points from safety and bottom of League One.

Smith confirmed his involvement and admitted he wanted to draw on the former boss' experience.

He said: "Chris is a friend of mine and a man of great knowledge whose views I value, I asked him to come and watch and give me his thoughts.

"We had chat at half-time and a chat afterwards and he's been in this position as manager of the club.

"I've got a lot of time for Chris which is why I asked him to come along."

Nicholl's role – and the length – is yet to be determined but he offers an extra pair of eyes and ears for Smith, who is in his first post as a full-time manager.

And Smith left the position open-ended ahead of tomorrow's vital home showdown with Oldham.

He said: "We'll see where we go, but I value Chris' opinion very much.

"It's my first shot at management so I would like to hold council with people like Chris who have so much experience and knowledge in the game."

The arrangement is extremely unofficial and former Villa star Nicholl is keen to keep a low profile as he puts his energy into supporting Smith.

There is a mutual respect between the pair and Nicholl's presence is designed to help, not undermine, the current Walsall boss.

Smith just missed out on playing for Nicholl in 1994, as he was sold by Kenny Hibbitt to Hereford for £80,000 just months before Nicholl took over.

The 64-year-old former Southampton manager won 71 of his 157 games in charge of the Saddlers between 1994 and 1997 before he resigned.

His input will be vital as Smith insisted Walsall will fight on.

He said: "We will keep moving on, we've got another two games this week and we need points as soon as possible."