By 4two
January 30 2005

Eric McManus has returned to Walsall Football Club in what has been described as a "Scouting Role" by Club owner Jeff Bonser. McManus used to hold the roles that Bill Jones and Mick Halsall currently find themselves occupying. His arrival couldn't be any more convenient and will now spark questions as to if Mick Halsall will will take up a permanent coaching role alongside Paul Merson. Merson spoke very highly of Halsall during his post interview with Radio WM, and openly said that he would love to work with Halsall on a regular basis.

McManus left to take up a key role Derby County's youth academy, and can be credited with bringing through players like Neil Tolson, Ian Roper, Michael Ricketts and Dean Keates when with the Saddlers.

He is very highly thought of within the Club, and it will be interesting to see how this scouting role develops. We all know how committed Halsall is to his to his role as Head of Youth. There is no doubting that he would be reluctant to leave it. Mick has provided good service to both Ray Graydon and Colin Lee, and both of these managers have experienced a fair bit of success.

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