We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Walsall after Lee Grant was linked with the vacant position at Preston North End.
Grant arrived at Walsall in the summer and the club have made a fine start to the new League Two season.
The Saddlers are currently second in the table and they remain unbeaten after their first seven league fixtures.
Despite only just arriving at the club, Grant is believed to be on Preston's shortlist as they search for Paul Heckingbottom's replacement.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Walsall manager in the event that Grant makes the switch to Deepdale.
Next Walsall Manager Contenders
Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson has been out of work since being dismissed by Peterborough United in October 2025.
The 54-year-old has won promotion from League One three times across his various spells at Peterborough.
Ferguson was strongly linked with Leicester City prior to Russell Martin's appointment and he would be a great appointment for Walsall.
Stuart Maynard
Stuart Maynard led York City to the National League title in the 2025/26 campaign after the team registered an astonishing 108 points.
York decided to part ways with Maynard prior to the new season as they prepared for their return to the football league.
He will be keen to return to the dugout to build on the promise he showed last season.
Karl Robinson
Former Salford City boss Karl Robinson was sacked by the club at the end of last season.
His final game in charge of Salford was the League Two play-off final, where they were comfortably beaten by Notts County.
Robinson has previously managed MK Dons, Charlton Athletic and Oxford United during his career and he would provide plenty of experience.
Michael Duff
Michael Duff is out of work after being sacked by League One side Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month.
A winless run of five matches at the start of the campaign was enough to signal the end of his time at Adams Park.
He won promotion from League Two with Cheltenham Town in 2021 and he will be looking to rebuild his coaching career.
Adam Hinshelwood
Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood impressively guided the club to the National League South title last season.
The club have also made a strong start to life in the National League, with Hinshelwood continuing to excel in his early managerial career.
The 42-year-old also helped York to accumulate 96 points in the National League during the 2024/25 campaign and the lure of the football league could tempt him.
