Chris Hutchings shown door by Walsall

Hutchings led Walsall to a 10th place finish last season

Walsall have sacked manager Chris Hutchings and assistant manager Martin O'Connor with immediate effect.

The Saddlers are bottom of League One, eight points adrift of safety, having recorded just five league wins.

Former Bradford and Wigan boss Hutchings had been at the Banks's Stadium since January 2009.

Chairman Jeff Bonser told the club website: "Their preparation and professionalism has been second to none but we are in a results business."

He added: "Chris and Martin have both worked extremely hard during their time at the club.

"They have both been professional throughout and conducted themselves with great dignity in what have been difficult times."

Walsall lost 4-1 at Peterborough on Monday, a game in which O'Connor was sent to the stands.

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Hutchings, who had a spell with the Saddlers as a player between 1990 and 1991, took over at the Banks's Stadium following the sacking of Jimmy Mullen.

The 53-year-old enjoyed success as assistant manager at both Bradford and Wigan, helping both to promotion to the Premier League.

O'Connor, 43, had two spells with the Saddlers as a player and was in his first full-time coaching position.