Walsall legend Mick Kearns has announced his retirement from his full-time role as Community Director and Goalkeeping Coach.
Mick made a total of 322 appearances in all competitions for the club, and also had a three-year spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers before returning to Fellows Park in August 1982, he continued playing on a part-time basis for the club until 1989, when he accepted a role in the newly formed Walsall FC Community Programme.
Speaking to saddlers.co.uk, Mick said, “The time is right for me to announce my retirement,” admitted Kearns. “It’s almost 40 years to the day since I first set foot into the club and my decision was made after very careful consideration."
He continued, “During that time Walsall FC has become a very big part of my life; the club will always remain close to my heart, but it is time for me to hand over the reins to a younger goalkeeping coach, whilst the Community Programme will be headed by Adam Davy who has been an extremely loyal and hard-working deputy to me for the past 19 years. He deserves the opportunity to step up and drive the Community Programme forward with fresh ideas.”
The club have announced that Mick will become Matchday Host during 2013/14, and will continue his role of commentator on Saddlers Player.
Walsall are expected to announce the signing of former West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Stoke City goalkeeper Neil Cutler as a goalkeeping coach.