Walsall manager Dean Smith has today been linked with a summer switch to Chesterfield following the side's 4-0 aggregate defeat to Preston North End in the Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi final.
Smith, who was initially appointed as caretaker manager in January 2011, following the departure of then manager Chris Hutchings and assistant Martin O'Connor, has lead his side through fairly solid 2014/15 campaign, which started with just two wins from the opening thirteen games, and ended with a visit to Wembley Stadium for the Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and a rather humiliating 8-2 final day defeat to League champions, Bristol City.
Current manager Paul Cook has been the subject of much speculation over a switch to League 2 side Portsmouth, and the move has seemingly taken a step closer to completion following his sides' 4-0 aggregate defeat to Preston North End in the Semi-Final of the League 1 Play-Offs.
Several other names have also been linked with the soon-to-be vacant job, including amongst others, current Chesterfield Assistant Manager Leam Richardson, former Sheffield United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough legend Brian Deane, Dean Saunders, who is interim manager of relegated Crawley Town following John Gregory's departure, and Keith Hill, who is currently enjoying his second spell as Rochdale manager.