So it seems that the overall majority want former Saddlers captain Adi Viveash as manager. We have decided to dissect his past as we look at why he is seen as the favourite with both Bookmakers and supporters.
Viveash joined the Saddlers in 1995 originally on loan where he played three games before then manager Chris Nicholl identified him as the perfect fit for his new back line in Division 2. Viveash signed a two year deal and went onto make over 200 appearances for the Saddlers, Viveash was so instrumental around the dressing room he was made club captain and steered the club to promotion under Ray Graydon in 1998.
Viveash played forty six times for the Saddlers during that season and gained seventeen clean sheets. Adi was then pivotal for the Saddlers campaign in the old Division 1 but sadly the Saddlers were relegated on the final day of the season at Ipswich.
At the end of the season Viveash surprisingly left the Saddlers and went to join Division 2 rivals Reading – the same side which we defeated in the play off final that year. Viveash was booked in the dying seconds of that game as the Saddlers won 3-2.
Following his spell at Reading, Viveash joined Oxford and then finished his career at his hometown club Swindon Town.
In May 2007 Viveash took charge of Cirencester and his performance as boss alerted Chelsea – this is when Viveash earned his plaudits and reputation as a coach.
Viveash steered Chelsea Under 19’s to two Youth Cup final victories in 2012 and 2014, following his plaudits as Under 19’s coach he was promoted to Under 21 coach the following year. With only one defeat in twenty games, Viveash guided Chelsea to the UEFA Youth Cup in 2015 and 2016.
Viveash is widely respected for bringing the likes of Dominic Solanke, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham, Lewis Baker and John Swift – all talented youngsters that are now respected in the game.
Chelsea tehnical director Michael Emenalo had this to say on his departure
‘Adi`s progression through the Academy and the success of the teams he has managed clearly show the quality of his work with Chelsea. We are immensely proud of the club`s record in the FA Youth Cup and Adi played a very important part in maintaining that. In the new area of European competition at Academy level, the back-to-back triumphs of our Under-19 sides was an outstanding achievement. We wish Adi all the best for the next stage of his career.`
Viveash has been acting as temporary assistant manager at Coventry since the winter following a health scare to Steven Taylor. Coventry have endured a stop start campaign but currently find themselves on the brink on the League 2 play offs. Former Walsall striker Mark Robins has expressed his delight at Viveash’s ‘knowhow and eye for detail’.
With a club like Walsall which prides itself on our own youth system would be foolish to not to speak to Adi. He has proven over six years with Chelsea that he able to coach youth players and push them towards Chelsea’s first team and some are now on the fringes of the national team. I understand that Viveash will not have the same quality of youth here but if he can emulate a fraction of what he did with Chelsea then our next crop of youngsters will have a bright future in the game.
Viveash is already a fully qualified coach having taken his coaching badges, which is a start given Whitney hadnt got one before taking his role.
People will say we should not go with our heart as this is one of the most important appointments in the clubs history but despite Viveash once being a club captain you cannot doubt his credentials.
Come home Adi.
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