A mystery candidate has created more confusion surrounding the appointment of Walsall's new manager and delayed the announcement even further.Owner and chairman Jeff Bonser, who had previously whittled the applicants down to 'four or five', was reported to be making a decision late last week before proceedings were moved back to this week.

However, an unknown manager has created even more of a delay as the race to succeed Richard Money hots up.

"I've got a very good shortlist with people applying for the job who I would not have imagined would be applying," the Saddlers owner told the Express and Star. "Now there is a new name which has cropped up that I think is someone who has all the right credentials for the job. We have spoken on the phone but, owing to commitments, I cannot see him face-to-face until later in the week.

"I think it's very important to meet all the candidates 'in the flesh' so we can both get a better measure of each other. But it does mean there will be a delay on the appointment, although I wouldn't want it to go beyond the middle of next week."

Meanwhile, Walsall have announced a pre-season friendly at home to midlands rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday, July 22.

More Football News from TEAMtalk