The Official site has announced that Mick Gooding and John Kerr, both key figures in the clubs Center of Excellence are leaving the club.

The reason given for their departure is that Mick Halsall will be taking up his post soon, which means the duo are no longer needed. 

Both men have been working with the Youth Teams who play in the Umbro Isotonic Alliance Merit Division 1 and the Midland Floodlight Youth Premier League.

Their tenure has been extremely successful with the current crop of youngsters sitting at the top of Merit Division 1 ahead of Stoke, Preston and Sheffield United.

The Club have a lot of faith is Halsall's ability as a youth team coach.  The Club's ambition is for Halsall to produce first team players, not players who drift on to the non-league scene after finishing with the club.

Do you think their departure is a good move and a way to create space the on the wage bill? Let us know on the forum.

Links
Saddlers.co.uk