Following the news that Walsall had appointed former Saddlers midfielder Dean Keates as the club's new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal, Dean's now former club Wrexham have issued a statement explaining the reasons behind his departure.
The statement, which was released via their official website WrexhamAFC.co.uk, reads; We want to place on record our appreciation to Dean for his time here as a player, captain and as First Team Manager.
Walsall FC approached us and triggered the release clause in Dean’s contract in full, therefore we were obliged to allow Dean the opportunity to speak to the club that he supports.
We are in a strong position and our focus remains on achieving promotion to the Football League this season.
There are just nine games of the season to go and now more than ever, we need the support of each and every fan of Wrexham AFC to rally around our interim management team of Andy Davies and Carl Darlington, the remainder of the staff and the playing squad.
We are fully focused on achieving three points at Woking on Saturday. While we have already begun the search to replace Dean and complete our management team and intend to make an appointment as quickly as possible.