Walsall announce backroom staff shake-up
Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has brought in Marcus Stewart and Brian Dutton to work alongside him as part of his backroom staff at the Banks's Stadium.
A number of staff members have also departed the club as part of the shake-up, including first team coach Andy Davies, goalkeeping coach Michael Oakes, strength and conditioning Coach Nick Barnett and chief scout Gary Jenkins. John Ward is also leaving the club at the end of June.
Academy manager Graham Biggs has also exited the club, with Mark Bradley stepping up into the first team strength and conditioning coach role, having worked in the club's academy over the previous year.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued by Walsall today.
"Walsall FC can today confirm a number of changes to the club's backroom staff." read the statement.
"Marcus Stewart and Brian Dutton have agreed to join the club as Assistant Coaches. Brian will also assume the role of Professional Phase Development Coach.
"Both men worked with new Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke for several years at Bristol Rovers.
"Former Sunderland striker Stewart, 46, was first team coach at Exeter before joining Rovers as a development coach in 2012 and served as Clarke’s number two during their rise to League One.
"Dutton, 34, was handed the captaincy at Salisbury by Clarke, who brought him to Bristol Rovers in the role of Assistant U23 Squad Coach in March 2017 before moving on to First Team Coach.
"First Team Coach Andy Davies, Goalkeeping Coach Michael Oakes and Strength & Conditioning Coach Nick Barnett have all left the club, as has Chief Scout Gary Jenkins, who will be taking up a similar position at Bradford City.
"John Ward will also be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June. We thank everyone for their hard work and effort during their time at the Banks’s Stadium.
"In the Academy, we can confirm that Academy Manager Graham Biggs has left the club and Mark Bradley will return to his role as First Team Strength & Conditioning Coach after 12 months with the Academy."
Clarke was appointed Walsall boss earlier this month, having taken over following the club's relegation to League Two on the final day of the season.
