Walsall name ex-Huddersfield boss Grant head coach

Walsall have appointed former Huddersfield Town boss Lee Grant as the club's new head coach.

Grant, 43, has signed a three-year contract at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.

He replaces former Saddlers striker Darren Byfield, who had been given the interim job until the end of the season after the sacking of Mat Sadler in March.

Walsall finished the League Two season in 13th place, 13 points outside the play-offs, having been top of the table at Christmas.

"I'm super delighted and proud to be the new head coach," said Grant, who was sacked by the Terriers in January after eight months in charge.

"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."

Grant was part of the Ipswich coaching team, under Kieran McKenna, that helped the club to successive promotions from League One to the Premier League in 2023 and 2024.

After three years at Portman Road, the former Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley and Derby goalkeeper was appointed Huddersfield boss in May 2025, his first senior management job.

But he left just eight months into a three-year deal, despite the club sitting sixth in League One at the time.

New Walsall head of football Stewart Mairs told the club website, external the process to find a new permanent head coach had been "extremely thorough" involving a number of "outstanding candidates".

"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," said Mairs, who was appointed a month ago.

"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. It is our job to support him and maximise his skill set."