Powell joins Walsall as interim coach

Chris Powell received an MBE for services to football in 2024

Former Charlton, Huddersfield and Southend boss Chris Powell has joined Walsall's coaching team on an interim basis.

The 56-year-old, who also spent time as a coach for England, has overseen almost 300 matches as a manager.

He steps in for Gary Waddock, who will be absent from the Saddlers' coaching team for several months due to ankle surgery.

Powell worked alongside Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He has also had coaching roles with Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Dutch side Ado Den Haag and most recently Sheffield Wednesday.

Walsall are top of League Two, having won seven of their opening 10 matches.

"The club wants to achieve something and hopefully I'll have a small part in that, but the bigger picture is trying to improve people, players and the football club as a whole," he told the club website.

As a player, Powell made more than 750 appearances for Southend, Derby County, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Watford and Leicester, and has five England caps.

In 2024, Powell was awarded with an MBE for services to football in the birthday honours list.