MAIK Taylor has joined Walsall as their new goalkeeping coach.

The former Northern Ireland international had held the role at the Bantams since early March shortly after the appointment of boss Gary Bowyer.

Taylor, who made over 600 competitive appearances during spells at Birmingham City, Southampton and Fulham among others, had signed a contract at Valley Parade until the end of last season.

But he is now joining fellow relegated rivals Walsall, becoming the latest addition to new manager Darrell Clarke’s backroom staff following the appointments of Marcus Stewart and Brian Dutton.

Taylor, aged 47, said: “I spoke to Darrell and he had had spoken to Gary Bowyer at Bradford City where I worked towards the end of last season and he said he had heard good things.

“It’s good for me and, hopefully, will be good for Walsall. Living local obviously helps but it is a fantastic opportunity, it is a great club, I have played here many times."

Clarke said: “The goalkeeping coach is an important part of the team and the backroom staff and I am really pleased that we have managed to get things sorted. I spoke to quite a few people about the post but Maik was the standout candidate.”