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Lee Grant explains the decision behind becoming the new head coach of Walsall

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Lee Grant explains the decision behind becoming the new head coach of Walsall

Lee Grant explains the decision behind becoming the new head coach of League Two side Walsall, confirmed by the club on Thursday.

Grant signs a three-year contract with Walsall, who have been without a permanent head coach since sacking Mat Sadler in March.

The Saddlers ended the 2025/26 season sitting 13th in the table, with 65 points from 46 games played. They had sat top of the table for 12 rounds, but soon fell away.

The club said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Grant as the club’s new Men’s Head Coach on a three-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two season.

“Grant arrives at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium with a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, alongside a clear ambition to help drive the club forward and achieve our long-term objectives.

“Born in Hemel Hempstead, Grant enjoyed an accomplished playing career as a goalkeeper, making more than 500 professional appearances before retiring in 2022 during his time at Manchester United.

“Alongside his playing achievements, he further developed his off-pitch credentials by completing his coaching badges, undergoing a lengthy process to claim a UEFA Pro License and gaining valuable experience within elite football environments.

“The 43-year-old has worked under several highly respected coaches throughout his career to date including Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe and José Mourinho. He also enjoyed a highly successful spell as Assistant Manager under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town, having previously worked together in Manchester.

“During his time at Portman Road, Grant played a key role within the coaching setup, focusing particularly on the team’s attacking phase of play. Ipswich scored 101 goals on route to automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One in 2022/23 before securing a second successive promotion to the Premier League in 2023/24, scoring a further 92 goals in the Championship campaign.

“Following his successful period at Ipswich, Grant took his first managerial role at Huddersfield Town in May 2025 after a compensation package was agreed between the clubs.

“He oversaw 36 competitive matches during his tenure with the Terriers and departed in January with the club occupying the play-off positions, achieving a 41% win record in the process. Grant made an impressive start to life at the Accu Stadium, winning eight of his opening ten matches in all competitions including Carabao Cup victories over Leicester City and Sunderland, before eventually bowing out to Manchester City.

“Lee is excited to embark on his latest challenge with the Saddlers and is looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Grant said: “I’m super delighted and proud to be the new Head Coach of Walsall Football Club.

“It’s been an extensive process and one that’s been ongoing for the last couple of weeks and the focus on the conversations that I’ve had with the hierarchy at the club is on the alignment of where we want this club to be and the vision is shared across the board so that was really pleasing for me.

“I feel fortunate to have had the journey that I’ve had, I’ve worked with some top professionals across a long playing career and I’ve had the experiences and exposure in three different leagues with Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town respectively and these experiences have helped shape me into the coach I am today.

“The teams I’ve been involved in have scored lots of goals and there’s been a good development of players and my ideas around that are strong – it’s going to be a busy period for myself and the club but I’m really excited to get going, help the football club progress and I very much look forward to getting to work.”

Head of Football Stewart Mairs expressed his delight at securing Grant’s appointment following an extensive recruitment process.

“I’m delighted to welcome Lee to Walsall Football Club,” he said.

“The recruitment process for our new Men’s Head Coach has been extremely thorough and we have spoken to a number of outstanding candidates throughout.

“From the outset, we were very clear on the type of leader we wanted to bring to the football club — someone capable of driving standards, developing the group and helping us move the club forward.

“Throughout the process, Lee demonstrated a tremendous hunger and desire to be part of this football club. He is highly articulate, detail-oriented and possesses a strong understanding of the modern game, but just as importantly, he is an excellent person. It is our job to support him and maximise his skill set.

“We are pleased to welcome Lee and his family to the club and we look forward to working alongside him to achieve our goals over the coming years.”

Welcome to Walsall Lee – let’s get to work!

Here’s how fans reacted as Lee Grant explains the decision behind becoming the new head coach of Walsall…

@zece7: Let’s get behind him 💪🤝

@klebertonfelix: My energy is renewed for another season. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@fin1306: Come on, now let’s bring in some top signings

@GWilliamsLLM: Good news. Going to be busy for sure.

@EvanEnglandman: A new era begins. This could work out very well, but only if Trivela financially back him 👍

@philwalsall: Head coach does not fill me with excitement I would rather have a manager as to me that means he has control of incoming and outgoing players. Only time will tell I suppose.

@James_McE1: Not the most convinced, but its not like anyone on the list was anymore inspiring. 3 year deal is a bit statement that this one has to work out. Let the rebuild begin.

@Dazzapass: Now give him the finances to buy Nathan Lowe.

@WalsallRMasters:
Welcome to Ws1 Lee
SADDLERS
UTS
LETS DO IT ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@JRainer08:
Good appointment time to get behind him big summer ahead.
🎶 Lee Grants barmy army 🎶

@TomBowenJourno: What a brilliant appointment for the #Saddlers! Good record at Huddersfield and, as detailed below, a wealth experience at different levels. It’ll certainly be an interesting season.



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