Jon Whitney becomes permanent Walsall manager
Wednesday 1 June 2016 09:34, UK
Walsall have appointed caretaker Jon Whitney as first-team manager on a permanent basis.
The 45-year-old, who led the Saddlers to third place in Sky Bet League One last season after taking over in March, has signed a three-year deal.
As part of the move, former Walsall defender Dean Holden has agreed a deal to become first-team coach and will join Whitney's existing backroom staff of Neil Cutler and John Ward.
"Jon is the right man for the job," said Walsall chairman Jeff Bonser. "He knows the inner workings of the club and has all the relevant knowledge and experience to take the club forward.
"He understands the philosophy and has an excellent relationship with the players, staff, fans and board of directors alike."
Whitney, whose first job on the Walsall staff was as the physio in 2003, said: "It's a very proud moment for me and my family. I'm really looking forward to it and I'm excited about continuing the work we started last season.
"I've been at the club for more than 13 years now and I'm extremely proud that Walsall have given me my first permanent position in football management."
