Ex Huddersfield manager, Lee Grant has been appointed as Walsall’s new manager on a three-year contract until June 2029.
Grant’s appointment comes after five months out of a job after he was sacked by Huddersfield in January following eight months at the club, and sees him drop down a division to manage the Saddlers in League Two.
“I’m super delighted and proud to be the new Head Coach of Walsall Football Club,” explained Grant as he revealed that he and the board share the same ambitions for the club’s future after a slump in the second half of the season saw them slide from the summit to a 13th-placed finish.
“It’s been an extensive process and one that’s been ongoing for the last couple of weeks and the focus on the conversations that I’ve had with the hierarchy at the club is on the alignment of where we want this club to be and the vision is shared across the board so that was really pleasing for me.”
Grant added that he hopes that his experiences across various clubs like Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Stoke City and Manchester United as a player has shaped him into a strong coach to take Walsall forward.
“I feel fortunate to have had the journey that I’ve had, I’ve worked with some top professionals across a long playing career and I’ve had the experiences and exposure in three different leagues with Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town respectively and these experiences have helped shape me into the coach I am today.
“The teams I’ve been involved in have scored lots of goals and there’s been a good development of players and my ideas around that are strong – it’s going to be a busy period for myself and the club but I’m really excited to get going, help the football club progress and I very much look forward to getting to work.”
Walsall’s Head of Football, Stuart Mairs added that he is “delighted” to appoint Grant as manager following an “extremely thorough” search focused on improving standards and development.
“From the outset, we were very clear on the type of leader we wanted to bring to the football club — someone capable of driving standards, developing the group and helping us move the club forward.
“Throughout the process, Lee demonstrated a tremendous hunger and desire to be part of this football club. He is highly articulate, detail-oriented and possesses a strong understanding of the modern game, but just as importantly, he is an excellent person. It is our job to support him and maximise his skill set.”
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