League One side Walsall have reached an agreement with Wrexham for the appointment of Dean Keates as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 39-year-old takes over from Jon Whitney at the Banks's Stadium, where he made more than 200 appearances across two playing spells.

Whitney was sacked at the beginning of the week, bringing an end to his 15-year association with the club, and now Keates is tasked with guiding Walsall up the table from their current standing of 15th place.

Speaking to the Saddlers' official website, the new man at the helm said: "I'm delighted to come back. I finished my career and learned my trade, coaching at a university linked to Wrexham and then had the opportunity for the last 14 months to be a manager there. I'm from the area.

"I was on the terraces at Fellows Park and then at the Banks's – I'm a fan of the club and it feels good to be back. I'm still learning my trade but everyone is learning their trade, no matter their age. This opportunity came up for me and it wasn't something I could let pass by. It's my hometown and that's a big thing for me."

Keates had spent a couple of years in charge of National League side Wrexham, who will be paid an undisclosed compensation sum.