Jimmy Mullen is new Walsall manager

Last updated : 22 May 2008 By Tony Scholes
Picture reproduced by kind permission of Walsall FC www.saddlers.co.uk
I can't think any Burnley fan will wish Jimmy anything but the best after his long awaited return to league management, over twelve years since he left Turf Moor after four and a half years that saw two promotions that included some fantastic days out at York, Plymouth and of course not forgetting Wembley.

The latter part of his time with us was not quite so successful and, as is the case with so many managers, he lost his job at a difficult time and that was allowed to cloud the fantastic job he'd done initially with the Clarets.

Any number of efforts have been made to lure him back as a guest at a home game but they've all been rebuffed by a former manager who was never quite so sure what sort of welcome he'd receive. If only he'd known I'm sure he'd have been back like a shot.

Jimmy, now 55 and looking no older than he did when he left Burnley, was chosen from a short list of five candidates and his short caretaker spell was enough to persuade the club that he was the man for the job. That sounds familiar.

I suspect there are quite a few Burnley fans who wouldn't be at all disappointed now if we were to draw Walsall at home in a cup competition and I'm sure all of us will send him our best wishes.