Powell exit after 14 days unfortunate - Sadler

Chris Powell was part of the England coaching staff during Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Walsall boss Mat Sadler has said the departure of Chris Powell from his coaching staff after only 14 days is "unfortunate" but was "a risk worth taking" because of his qualities.

Powell was brought in by Sadler as interim first-team coach on 29 September to compensate for the loss of Gary Waddock, who is recovering from ankle surgery.

But the 56-year-old former Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield Wednesday coach has now become Jack Wilshere's assistant at Luton, following the ex-Arsenal and England midfielder's first full-time managerial appointment.

Sadler said the conditions under which Powell joined the Saddlers always meant his time at the League Two club would be limited.

"That was the unfortunate thing with the 'interim' title - we always knew that could happen," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"But it was a risk worth taking because he is a fantastic coach. Unfortunately it happened sooner that we would have liked, but it is what it is."

Although disappointed to lose Powell, Sadler said coaches coming and going is nothing new.

"I remember a spell when I played [at Walsall] under Dean [Smith] and he had Jon Whitney, Rich O'Kelly and Neil Woods the academy manager within weeks as well and these things happen," he said.

With Waddock still recuperating, Sadler says he will "100%" get someone in to replace Powell and has "put a few phone calls in already".

"It's a bit different because when Gary left, I'd already sorted Chris coming in so it was seamless," he said.

"This time I've had every man and his dog message about different options, so I just want to make sure I'm relaxed and bring someone in for the right reasons.

"Chris goes with our best wishes. He's a fantastic bloke, a really good coach, we all enjoyed working with him, albeit briefly, and it was good to have some different ideas around the place.

"We were always aware of things before he went and unfortunately it's moved this way."

Walsall, top of League Two, take on Barrow at home on Saturday and will try to extend their eight-match unbeaten run.