Kinsella goes back to Charlton

Mark Kinsella is leaving Walsall to return to Charlton as part of Les Reed's setup.

Mark Kinsella is leaving Walsall to return to Charlton Athletic as part of Les Reed's coaching team.

The former Republic of Ireland international made over 220 appearances during six years at The Valley and captained the club to promotion to the Premiership.

He has been at Walsall for two-and-a-half years and has been combining playing for the League Two leaders with a coaching role.

But Kinsella is now due to take up a post with Charlton, once he has played in Walsall's game with Swindon Town on Saturday.

Kinsella is relishing the chance to rejoin Charlton and is looking forward to working with Reed, who recently replaced Iain Dowie as head coach.

"I've always said one day I wanted to come back to Charlton and I'm delighted to get the opportunity now," Kinsella told the club's official website.

"Walsall have been brilliant to me. I've really enjoyed my time at the club and that has made it a much harder decision than it might have been.

"But they know how I feel about Charlton, which is my club. It's difficult to leave, but I'm very excited about coming back to Charlton."

Reed outlined the qualities he expects Kinsella to bring to his new role, which largely concerns the development of the club's young professionals.

"Among the very well qualified and high calibre number of potential coaches, I'm delighted to be able to welcome the appointment of Mark," said Reed.

"I'm particularly pleased that Mark has agreed to join us because he has very strong leadership qualities, tremendous drive and enthusiasm, and of course Charlton blood running through his veins.

"The players will benefit enormously from his experience and he has proven ability as a coach, having coached and managed in a caretaker capacity at Walsall."