Following the news that the club had parted company with Head Coach Matthew Taylor, Walsall chairman Leigh Pomlett has issued a statement confirming his reasons for the departure.
The Saddlers have lost seven times in as many games and currently sit just two places above the League Two dropzone, with their most recent outing, a 1-0 defeat to bottom-of-the-table Scunthorpe United, forcing the board to act.
Speaking via Saddlers TV, the club's official YouTube channel, Leigh said; "After the loss to Scunthorpe, I had a conversation with Matt, and we decided to part company.
The Saddlers have lost seven times in as many games and currently sit just two places above the League Two dropzone, with their most recent outing, a 1-0 defeat to bottom-of-the-table Scunthorpe United, forcing the board to act.
Speaking via Saddlers TV, the club's official YouTube channel, Leigh said; "After the loss to Scunthorpe, I had a conversation with Matt, and we decided to part company.
"I didn't want to, if I'm honest with you. It was a very difficult situation to be in as I have a huge amount of regard for Matt – his integrity, honesty and sheer hard work.
"But he knows, as I know and you know, the fact is we've lost seven games on the bounce. At all sorts of levels, that's not acceptable to me, to the club, or to the supporters.
"We've made a change. Matt was great when I told him. He took on the responsibility and accountability for the performance of the team, but the responsibility for everything remains with me.
"But, unfortunately, he's the head coach, and he will be leaving the business with immediate effect.
"In the interim, I've asked Neil McDonald and Mat Sadler to take charge of first-team affairs, ready for the Tranmere game on Saturday.
"That's an interim situation as Jamie Fullarton is working to find the successor to Matthew, and he's well on with that.
"We're cracking on, and we'll find the next head coach for Walsall, which will be a very attractive job as it always is. We'll just move on.
"All I ask is you give us the continued support we've had over this very difficult phase – there's no point me hiding from the fact this is difficult.
"We aren't where I wanted us to be, at all. After we beat Colchester 3-0 on December 11, I thought we were heading absolutely in the right direction.
"This has come as a real shock and disappointment to me, that we've lost seven games on the bounce."
Moving on to speak about how the recent run has impacted supporters, Leigh added; "The frustration of the fans is fully understood.
Moving on to speak about how the recent run has impacted supporters, Leigh added; "The frustration of the fans is fully understood.
"I sense it. I share it with you entirely. I am frustrated with the performance of our squad on the pitch, but I'm working with the rest of the team here to turn that around – and we will.
"I hate being where we are in the league, and I will work to make sure we turn it around very quickly. The good times will come back, of that I'm sure."