Next Walsall Manager Odds: Moore Heads Early Market
Walsall are searching for a new permanent manager after parting company with Mat Sadler following a dramatic slide in form during the second half of the League Two season.
The Saddlers had been among the promotion contenders earlier in the campaign before results deteriorated and they slipped into mid-table.
Assistant coach Darren Byfield has stepped in on an interim basis while the club consider their long-term options in the dugout.
As a result, betting sites have quickly priced up a range of candidates, mixing experienced EFL managers with internal and emerging coaching options.
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Moore Heads The Market
Darren Moore is the early 5/4 favourite in the betting market as Walsall weigh up experienced candidates capable of mounting a promotion challenge.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom boss has built a reputation as a manager who can organise competitive teams across the EFL.
Moore led Port Vale to promotion to League One last season, before leaving at the end of 2025, making him one of the most high-profile names in lower-league football currently available.
The 51-year-old had previously led Sheffield Wednesday to promotion to the Championship, so his track record across the EFL means he would bring immediate credibility to the Saddlers' project.
Butler To Make Bescot Return?
Andy Butler is another prominent contender at 7/4 with betting apps, and would represent a return to familiar surroundings at Bescot Stadium.
The former Walsall defender spent several seasons with the club during his playing career and remains a respected figure among supporters.
Since moving into management, he has impressed with his work at non-league level, guiding his current club, Scunthorpe, back into the National League.
He has The Iron sitting in the play-off spots this season, and Butler would offer Walsall a coach with both leadership experience and strong ties to the club.
Next Walsall Manager Odds:
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Darren Moore | 5/4 | 44.4% |
Andy Butler | 7/4 | 36.4% |
Darren Byfield | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Darren Ferguson | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Ryan Lowe | 11/4 | 26.7% |
Luke Garrard | 3/1 | 25% |
Lee Grant | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Andy Peaks | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Neil Wood | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Byfield On Trial For Permanent Role
Current caretaker Byfield (2/1) has naturally entered the betting market while he oversees the team during the transition period.
The former striker is part of Walsall’s coaching staff and knows the squad and club structure inside out.
He made the perfect start to his interim spell with a 3-0 win at play-off rivals Crewe, and if he can continue getting results, he may be given the job on a permanent basis.
Internal appointments have worked for clubs in League Two before, which could keep Byfield firmly in the frame.
Ferguson In The Frame
Darren Ferguson (5/2) is another experienced name attracting attention in the betting.
Best known for his long association with Peterborough, Ferguson has achieved multiple promotions during his managerial career.
His teams have often been built around attacking football and the development of young players.
That combination of experience and a track record of success at EFL level could appeal to Walsall’s hierarchy.
Lowe Offers Higher Level Experience
Ryan Lowe (11/4) has also been linked with the role after building a reputation for progressive, attacking football earlier in his managerial career.
He has previously delivered promotion success with Bury and Plymouth, and demonstrated an ability to galvanise squads quickly in the lower leagues.
Luke Garrard (3/1), meanwhile, has received widespread praise for his work at Boreham Wood over a long managerial tenure.
His ability to maximise limited resources and build disciplined teams could make him an intriguing option if Walsall look outside the traditional EFL candidate pool.
Other Names In The Running
Former Premier League goalkeeper Lee Grant (7/2) is among the outsiders in the betting as he continues to build his coaching credentials.
Grant spent time working within elite academy and coaching environments, but his sole managerial position with Huddersfield ended in disappointment.
Tamworth boss Andy Peaks (5/1) and former Salford manager Neil Wood (6/1) are also thought to be in the running after establishing strong reputations within coaching and youth development.
While they are longer shots compared to the early favourites, managerial appointments in the EFL can often produce unexpected outcomes.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
Who do you think would be the best fit for Walsall? Let us know in the comments below!
