Vital Walsall gave job to ‘outsider’ says Chris Marsh
Legend Chris Marsh believes it was important Walsall appointed a manager with no ties to the club following the appointment of Darrell Clarke.
Clarke was confirmed as the Saddlers’ new boss earlier this month after agreeing a three-year deal at the Banks’s Stadium.
Including caretaker Martin O’Connor, four of the five previous Walsall managers all had ties to the club with Dean Smith and Jon Whitney internal appointments and Dean Keates and O’Connor former players.
But after their relegation from League One, Marsh believes it was important an “outsider” came in.
“I think it was important this time we didn’t go with a former player,” said Marsh who made more than 450 appearances for the club.
“Sometimes it’s great to bring back a legend and I really thought it would work with Keates.
“But when you are affiliated with a club you already have opinions.
"You look out for the results, you know the players and who the fans’ favourites are.
“I think after relegation it was important we had someone come in and look at it with fresh eyes.
“We needed someone to come in who doesn’t know anyone and can make decisions without any ties.
"I think the board deserve credit for bringing in Darrell Clarke.”
