Former interim Walsall Head Coach Darren Byfield has issued a statement confirming he won't form part of the Saddlers' coaching team following the arrival of Lee Grant.Byfield, who oversaw the Saddlers' final ten games of the 2025/26 season after the sacking of Mat Sadler, admitted he would miss the fans and his former colleagues before wishing the club and new boss Grant all the best for the future.
Darren said, "To all you unbelievable Saddlers fans. I just want to say that I will no longer be at this wonderful football club.
"Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve shown me during my time here — it has meant everything. I’ll miss you all dearly.
"This football club is filled with incredible staff who will work tirelessly to make sure the club is successful.
"There is now a new head coach with fresh ideas and a huge desire to succeed, so please be patient (which I know you have been).
"We won’t win every game, but during the difficult moments, we must stick together and continue supporting one another.
"I’ll be watching, supporting, and hoping we can get this club out of the league. I’d also like to thank the Trivela Group for giving me the opportunity to return to Walsall FC as a coach.
"I’m disappointed we couldn’t achieve the promotion we all wanted, but I’ll always be grateful for the chance to come back.
"Finally, to you amazing fans — keep singing, keep backing the new head coach, staff, and players.
"I truly hope next May there’s a huge promotion celebration for everyone to enjoy. Lee Grant will need time and your support, and I know you’ll give him exactly that. #UTS."
Main image: Walsall FC.