Walsall sack Graydon

Walsall won promotion to Division One under Graydon

Walsall have sacked manager Ray Graydon in an attempt to revive the struggling club's fortunes.

Graydon has been in charge at the Bescot Stadium since 1998 and guided Walsall into the First Division last season via the play-offs.

But the Saddlers are finding it difficult to hold on to their Division One status, hovering in and out of the relegation zone.

Graydon had previously achieved promotion with the club during the 1998-1999 season, only to go straight back down to Division Two the following year.

"It is with deep sadness and regret that the board have taken the decision to relieve Ray Graydon from his duties as team manager," Walsall owner Jeff Bonser told the club's website.

It is the most difficult decision that any of us involved with Walsall FC have ever had to make

Walsall owner Jeff Bonser

"This decision will take immediate effect.

"It is the most difficult decision that any of us involved with Walsall Football Club have ever had to make.

"Ray has been an excellent ambassador for us, and everyone at the club has enjoyed working with him. It is a very sad day.

"It is the overriding concern of the board for the club to maintain its First Division status.

"After a lot of thought, following some disappointing results and the club's slide into the relegation zone, it is felt that the time for change has come.

"To have left the decision any later would have not left the new appointment sufficient time to make an impact."

New challenge

Graydon was gracious in accepting the club's decision to bring in someone else.

And he revealed he would be looking for a new start straight away.

I believe that the club is in better shape now than when I arrived

Ray Graydon

"This is a very sad day for myself, leaving so many good friends and colleagues," he said.

"It is a side of football that better managers than myself have had to deal with, and it is important that it is handled correctly.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone at the club for their fantastic support.

"I believe that the club is in better shape now than when I arrived.

"It is my dearest wish that at the end of the season the club will have retained its First Division status.

"Life must go on, and I will immediately seek a fresh challenge in the game I dearly love, that of professional football."

Walsall's director of football Paul Taylor has also decided to resign from his post.

But he will stay on initially to help the new manager settle in.