Houston joins Walsall

Walsall have unveiled Stewart Houston as Colin Lee's new first-team coach at the Bescot Stadium after Dave Merrington left the club for family reasons.

The 53-year-old was George Graham's right-hand man during his successful reign at Arsenal between 1986 to 1995 before Houston was appointed acting manager in February 1995.

Houston left Highbury in October 1996 to take charge of London rivals QPR and was at Loftus Road for over a year before reuniting with Graham at Tottenham.

"I have met him on a number occasions at coaching seminars and he has plenty to offer," Lee told the Walsall website.

"He was near the top of my list to come here prior to Dave Merrington's appointment so I am pleased to have him here now.

"The fact that he has dealt with many top players over the years will be a big bonus to us.

"He has a successful background in the game which we hope to benefit from."