Dean Keates paid the ultimate price for Walsall’s slump in form yesterday, dismissed as manager with just five matches remaining.
The former Wrexham boss has seen his side plummet into the bottom four after a bright start to the season, with relegation now a real possibility. They lost 3-1 at home to Oxford yesterday, although the dying moments saw the game turned on its head.
The Saddlers trailed 2-1 when Morgan Ferrier had an effort cleared off the line. A point wouldn’t have taken them any higher in the league, but it might have saved Keates’ job.
Instead, Oxford went up the other end and scored, ending his tenure as manager.
The former Peterborough man put his faith in non-league pair Andy Cook and Morgan Ferrier amongst others this season, but hasn’t been able to guarantee their safety. Five points separate them and 14th placed Shrewsbury, but games are running out quick.
The decision seems to be widely supported by the fans on Twitter, who have seen little to convince them he had the skills to get them back up the table.
Here’s their latest reaction on social media.
https://twitter.com/__Vimes__/status/1114572494801911810
https://twitter.com/whinyates88/status/1114571180877414400
https://twitter.com/TheRobHarvey_/status/1114571179107520513
https://twitter.com/antgerrard86/status/1114613061317480453
https://twitter.com/WalsallBrasil/status/1114577626004426754
https://twitter.com/mark240868/status/1114576179900616708
https://twitter.com/GWilliamsLLM/status/1114572315906519042
https://twitter.com/BlazingSaddleDS/status/1114581400340979712
