Walsall FC confirm Neil Cutler as Saddlers coach
Walsall have today officially confirmed the appointment of Neil Cutler as their new goalkeeping coach.
The former Villa and Albion stopper's arrival at the Banks's had been something of an open secret for weeks but he has now finally put pen to paper on a deal. Cutler replaces Mick Kearns, who has decided to step down after 30 years coaching the club's keepers. He becomes the first full-time keeper coach at the Banks's since 2008. The 36-year-old, who has left League Two Scunthorpe United to take up the new role, had previously described himself and the Saddlers as a "perfect match" – a sentiment echoed by Walsall manager Dean Smith.
"We are well aware of Neil's ability as a goalkeeping coach," said Smith.
"He comes here with a good reputation and as someone who is based locally, it is a perfect fit for him and the club.
"He is keen to work with all of the keepers at every level throughout the club and is extremely forward-thinking and enthusiastic about the role.
"He's a welcome addition to the backroom staff here and I look forward to working with him."
Perton-born Cutler's appointment had been anticipated since Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws last month announced he would be leaving the Iron and moving to the Saddlers.
After leaving Villa in 2001, Cutler enjoyed successful playing spells at Stoke City and Swansea City.
But a chronic back injury forced him to retire aged just 30 and he moved into coaching, first with Bury before later moving to Scunthorpe.
Cutler said he was delighted to have finally sealed the move back to the Midlands.
He said: "I have had a good, long chat with Dean Smith and I am happy to be joining a club that is going places.
"Dean is a top young manager and Richard O'Kelly is a great coach, so I can only learn from them.
"I am always striving to improve and get better; I'm young and hungry and have lots of ideas on how I want my goalkeepers to be.
"I'll be implementing those ideas from Academy level right to the top and I want to produce some good goalkeepers for this club.
"It's an extremely important position and the club will be taking its time to ensure that we bring the right people in."
