Caretaker manager John Ward has his eye on the permanent job at Walsall

Walsall fans will still be coming to terms with the painful departure of Dean Smith, who left the promotion-chasing League One side on Monday in order to take charge of Championship outfit Brentford.

However, the 4th placed Saddlers will have no shortage of potential suitors for the new post, as they bid to hire a gaffer who can continue the progress made under Smith.

At this early stage in the Next Walsall Manager Market it's veteran gaffer John Ward who has been installed as the 2/1 favourite (Sky Bet) in the betting.

The 64-year-old, who has been placed in caretaker charge of the club alongside Jon Whitney and Neil Cutler, has a stack load of experience managing in the Football League, having previously held posts at both Bristol teams, Colchester, Carlisle, Cheltenham and York City.

Ward enjoyed promotions with Bristol City and Cheltenham, while he was last seen in the dugout in 2014 in his second spell at Bristol Rovers.

However, he has the chance to shine tonight when he takes charge of Walsall, who make the trip to struggling Shrewsbury; a side that sit two points above the relegation zone with 21 points from 19 matches.

In fact, Walsall have the chance to go top of the tree, providing they win by four goals, and Burton fail to beat Millwall at home. Unlikely, but what a start it would be for Ward.