Brentford's appointment of Dean Smith as their new boss will doubtless have gone down well with Huddersfield Town forward Jamie Paterson.
The on-loan Nottingham Forest player emerged as a top talent at Walsall under the tutelage of Smith, who stepped up from youth-team chief to manager in 2011.
Paterson played more than 100 times for the Saddlers before his July 2013 £1m switch to Forest.
“We should have made the (League I) play-offs in my last season at Walsall,” he said.
“The run we had at the end of the season was amazing to be part of because we were beating everyone – and we felt like we could beat anyone.
“Credit to the gaffer because he lost me and other players but still did well the next season.
“I will always keep in contact with Dean as he was such an important figure in getting me to where I am today, bringing me through the youth team and all that.
“The job he’s done there has been fantastic. Before I was there, we had a bit of a struggle but Dean took over and helped us stay up, then we built on that.”
Smith watched Monday’s 1-1 draw at Championship basement side Bolton Wanderers from the stand.
His first match in charge of 11th-paced Brentford - who host Town on Saturday, December 10 - will be at home to MK Dons on Saturday.
Bolton’s financial situation has been deemed “increasingly perilous” by recently-appointed advisor Trevor Birch.
Wanderers announced on Monday they were yet to pay their players for November as long-time owner Eddie Davies, who has revealed he is no longer willing to bankroll the club, attempts to sell up.
Any hope of an imminent deal appears unlikely after Birch, hired to facilitate a takeover, confirmed none of those interested in purchasing Bolton were close to taking control from Davies, who is prepared to wipe out £185m of debt owed to him.
Unbeaten leaders Brighton have announced a financial loss of £10.44m in their accounts for the year to July 2015.
Their net loss the previous campaign was £10.6m.
While there was a slight fall in turnover to £23.7m, operational costs were reduced to £11.8m.
“Any Championship club wishing to compete for promotion will inevitably make significant losses,” said chairman Tony Bloom.
“It remains a delicate balancing act for the board, recruitment team and manager as we strive to achieve our ultimate aim.”
Wolves manager Kenny Jackett has quashed rumours of an approach from QPR as they seek a new manager.
The Hoops, in 12th place under the caretaker stewardship of former Town boss Neil Warnock and in action at Reading on Thursday, sacked Chris Ramsey four weeks ago.
Former Millwall manager Jackett had three years at Loftus Road as assistant to Ian Holloway from 2001-04.
“There hasn’t been any approach to myself, or as far as I’m aware, the club, so there’s nothing to say on it,” he said.
“I’m committed to Wolves and speculation is just that, speculation.”
Wolves’ loanee centre-back Mike Williamson has been recalled by Newcastle United.
Meanwhile owner Steve Morgan will sell Wolves if he receives a bid between £30m and £40m.
The Molineux chief would give the green light for an offer closer to £40m plus an agreement for significant investment into the club to improve and maintain Wolves and protect his legacy.
The process is ongoing and it is understood Wolves are in talks with several interested parties.
Defender Liam Cooper says Leeds United have nothing to lose when they face his former club Hull City at Elland Road on Saturday.
Steve Evans’ 17th-placed side have lost their last two games, against Rotherham United and QPR.
Hull, in fourth, are desperate to bounce back after their 2-0 home defeat by Derby.
Cooper said: “We’ve got the home advantage and we’re looking forward to it as much as they are. We’ve got nothing to lose and we know what performances we’re capable of.”
