Joe Masi comment: Dean Keates return ticks all the right boxes

Beechdale boy Dean Keates has returned home to be the new manager of Walsall Football Club.

There are a number of reasons why the Saddlers board targeted the club favourite to replace the sacked Jon Whitney.

First and foremost though, it is the board itself who deserve credit – having identified and landed their number one target.

There is a collection of Walsall fans who still can’t believe they have poached a manager in work.

But Keates was the man the club wanted.

They made their approach, agreed compensation and have now placed their faith in the 39-year-old by giving him a three-year deal.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see the club being so proactive.

It’s also nice for fans that this time they are the ones chasing and landing targets.

Walsall’s board had a number of interesting candidates to consider for their top job.

Adi Viveash, Keith Downing, Lee Carsley and Dean Holden all have excellent credentials.

But it’s the job Keates has done at Wrexham that set him apart for those on the board and it’s easy to see why.

The former midfielder took over at the Racecourse Ground following the sacking of Gary Mills in 2016.

At the time the Dragons were at risk of being dragged into a relegation scrap in the National League.

Keates stepped in and steered the team to a mid-table finish.

It is what happened next, though, that perhaps best shows his managerial credentials.

Despite the success he had enjoyed, Keates had no problem dismantling that team and building his own.

And it has paid dividends.

On a relatively small budget, the boss has guided Wrexham to fourth in the National League with just nine games remaining.

He has done it by building from the back, with a rock solid defence breaking a club record last weekend.

Wrexham’s shut-out in the 2-0 win over Chester was their 20th league clean sheet of the 2017/18 campaign.

That statistic shows just how much progress the team has made over the past 16 months.

And it means, for the first time since 2013, they are now set to finish the year in the play-offs with a real shot a promotion.

There are, of course, other reasons why Walsall identified their new manager as the man to take them forward.

The local lad is a hero among fans having made more than 200 playing appearances for the club.

He also won promotion with the Saddlers three times as a player.

And supporters needed someone they could get behind following their poor relationship with Whitney.

There are some fans who fear the clamour to see a club favourite return has affected the board’s judgement.

They understandably want the right man for the job, they are not interested in sentiment.

But this writer believes that to be successful at Walsall, you need to understand Walsall.

It’s a unique club with proud and loyal fans who are incredibly passionate.

It’s also a job that doesn’t come with a big budget. It needs a manager who can develop players as well as spot bargains.

Keates doesn’t just understand supporters. He is one.

He also knows what it is like to work with Jeff Bonser and what will be expected of him.

Meanwhile, his knowledge of non-league will undoubtedly help Walsall in the transfer market.

The one thing that is important though, is that Keates is given time to be a success.

He has been given a three-year-contract for a reason.

Today, marks the first day of a project, a project where the aim is long-term success.

It might take time, but with the fans on board, it looks as though it will be one exciting journey.