Halsall picks Walsall over Stoke

Walsall have announced that Mick Halsall will be staying as head of youth at the Banks's Stadium after he rejected the chance to join Stoke City.

Halsall, 47, turned down the offer of a similar position with the Premier League club in favour of continuing his 10-year association with the Saddlers.

"We're delighted that Mick sees his future at Walsall," said chief executive Roy Whalley.

"He has played and will continue to play an integral role in our fortunes."

Under Halsall's guidance Walsall have produced a string of youngsters who have gone on to have successful careers.

His decision to turn down an opportunity to work in the Premier League is a great refection on the youth set-up we have here

Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley

They include Leicester City's prolific striker Matty Fryatt, Karl Hawley of Northampton, Nottingham Forest's Julian Bennett and Coventry's Scott Dann.

The Saddlers' current squad has seen 11 current or former youth team players make their debuts so far in the 2008/09 season.

"We have an excellent record of producing home-grown talent and with Mick Halsall as head of youth, our reputation is sure to go from strength to strength," Whalley added.

"His decision to turn down an opportunity to work in the Premier League is a great refection on the youth set-up we have here."