Walsall Football Club have released a statement confirming the immediate departure of manager Darrell Clarke, after the Mansfield-born boss handed in his resignation in order to join near-rivals Port Vale.
Recent media reports had suggested Clarke had sought to quit the club in order to join another with the former Salisbury and Bristol Rovers manager not taking training ahead of Tuesday evening's clash with Cheltenham Town.
The oddsmakers had linked Clarke with a move to League One basement-dwellers Northampton Town, who recently parted ways with manager Keith Curle, following a string of poor results, however he has now joined the Valiants.
In a statement, released via the club's official website, they confirm; Walsall Football Club can confirm that Darrell Clarke has left the club by mutual consent after a compensation package was agreed with Port Vale for his services.
The 43 year-old arrived at the Banks’s Stadium in the summer of 2019 steering The Saddlers to a mid-table position before the campaign was curtailed following the COVID-19 outbreak. He departs with the club currently occupying 11th position in the League Two table.
Brian Dutton has been appointed Head Coach until the end of the season and will be assisted by Mat Sadler and Maik Taylor.
We wish Darrell all the best for the future. Chairman, Leigh Pomlett, will communicate with supporters by video message tomorrow ahead of our game with Cheltenham Town.