Richard O'Kelly Joins Bristol City

As reported yesterday Richard O'Kelly has today agreed to join Bristol City as first team coach, after both clubs agreed on compensation.

The 56 year old departs Walsall for the second time, previously leaving to become manager of Hereford.

During his time here the club have come on leaps and bounds and it is quite worrying to think how Dean Smith will cope on his own again as many felt O'Kelly was the main difference for our revival

O'Kelly had worked for new boss Sean O'Driscoll at both Bournemouth and Doncaster prior to him joining the Saddlers, however we felt that Richard would be interested to complete the project that has currently started here rather than joinging a club that could quite possibly be in the same division next season.

Stefan Gamble has today confirmed that the compensation received for O'Kelly will go straight to Dean Smith to recruit a new assistant and any remaining will go into squad strengthening.

The next appointment of assistant is a major one and one which could have a major bearing on the long term project Walsall are trying to build.

Despite leaving us for the 2nd time we wish Richard the best of luck for his future.

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