Maik Taylor joins Walsall as keeper coach

The 47-year-old will work alongside assistant manager Marcus Stewart and coach Brian Dutton who have also joined Clarke at the Banks’s Stadium this summer.

Taylor enjoyed a successful playing career that saw him spend eight-years with Blues.

Since retiring as a player, he has worked as the goalkeeping coach for both Northern Ireland and Bradford.

“I am really looking forward to working here,” Taylor said.

“I have my own philosophies as a goalkeeping coach but I am going to work closely and alongside what Darrell wants in terms of how he wants to play and use the goalkeeper in a tactical sense.

“I spoke to Darrell and he had had spoken to Gary Bowyer at Bradford City where I worked towards the end of last season and he said he had heard good things.

“It’s a good for me and, hopefully, will be a good for Walsall. Living local obviously helps but it is a fantastic opportunity, it is a great club, I have played here many times.”

During his playing career, Taylor won 90 caps for Northern Ireland. He also has a UEFA A Licence.

And Clarke revealed Taylor’s experience was a key factor in the glovesman getting the job ahead of other applicants.

“His experience was a key factor in my decision,” Clarke added.

“He was a top class goalkeeper during his playing days but he has also worked with some top class goalkeepers as well.

“When we get him out on the grass to coach the lads, we will be looking to use that experience and he will be working hard to improve our goalkeepers throughout the club and I know he will be a very useful addition.

“Maik will be working hard with our goalkeepers over the course of the season.

“The goalkeeping coach is an important part of the team and the backroom staff and I am really pleased that we have managed to get things sorted.

“I spoke to quite a few people about the post but Maik was the standout candidate.”