Plymouth Argyle have seen an approach for Walsall head coach Mat Sadler knocked back as they continue their search for Wayne Rooney’s permanent successor.
The former England international left Home Park by mutual agreement on New Year’s Eve. Having picked up just four league wins during his tenure, the Pilgrims find themselves in another battle for Championship survival and currently find themselves bottom of the table.
They have seen a slight improvement under the temporary stewardship of Kevin Nancekivell, earning respectable draws against Bristol City and Stoke City. Plymouth travel to Premier League outfit Brentford in the FA Cup third round this weekend but return to league action on January 14th against Oxford United in the first of three successive home games.
Plymouth Hoping To Make Swift Appointment
With those trio of fixtures at Home Park on the horizon, Plymouth will be looking to get their next head coach in place. According to Football League World, they have made an approach to League Two leaders Walsall asking for permission to speak to Mat Sadler. However, this is claimed to have been rejected.
The Saddlers are flying in England’s fourth tier. They currently sit top of the table on a run of seven successive league wins, whilst they haven’t tasted defeat since losing 6-2 to Fleetwood Town on October 1st. As such, they are 10 points above second-placed Crewe Alexandra, who have played a game more.
Sadler took over at the West Midlands-based club in April 2023. He signed a new contract a year later, eventually guiding the club to an 11th-placed finish in his first full season in charge. With a return to League One for the first time since 2019 on the horizon, Walsall are said to have dismissed Plymouth’s request outright.
Writer’s View
It’s not a surprise to see Mat Sadler attracting the attention of clubs in the Championship. He is an exciting young coach that appears to have a big future, something Walsall are very aware of. It was a smart move to tie him down to fresh terms last year and it should be enough to keep the wolves at bay for now. In the meantime, Plymouth will have to set their sights elsewhere, with former boss Steven Schumacher still said to be amongst those being considered.
