Following a week of speculation, Walsall Football Club are preparing to unveil former Saddlers midfielder Dean Keates as their new first-team manager less than a week after former gaffer Jon Whitney was dismissed.
It is believed that 39-year-old, Walsall-born Keates, who is currently manager of Vanarama National League title-chasers Wrexham, met with club officials yesterday and is close to making a sensational return to the club.
Walsall and Wrexham are said to have come to terms on a compensation package which could see the appointment confirmed over the next day or so, with the manager set to take charge in plenty of time for the Saddlers next match,which will see them take on Wigan Athletic at Banks's Stadium next Wednesday evening.
Keates, a product of the club's youth system, made over two-hundred appearances over two spells with his hometown side and is very much a favourite on the terraces, something which is sure to help him if his appointment is indeed confirmed.