Former Carlisle United boss Neil McDonald has landed a new role with one of the Blues' League Two rivals.

He has joined Walsall as No2 to their newly-appointed head coach Matthew Taylor.

McDonald, who managed the Blues in 2006/7, spent the latter months of last season with Barrow.

But the 55-year-old now links up with the Saddlers as first team coach.

The appointments of ex-Tottenham coach Taylor and the experienced McDonald follow the departure of interim boss Brian Dutton from his position at he Banks's Stadium.

Walsall chairman Leigh Pomlett told the club website: "Matthew is young, ambitious and successful and I am delighted that we have been able to attract him to leave Tottenham Hotspur to become our head coach.

“I have spent a number of hours talking with Matt in recent days and he meets the profile of the head coach I am seeking for Walsall Football Club.

“Coupled with Neil McDonald and working closely with [technical director] Jamie Fullarton, we now have the right set up to drive the Walsall football agenda forward."

Walsall said they required a "shake-up" after finishing 19th in League Two last season.

McDonald's tenure at Carlisle saw him lead the Blues to eighth in their first season back in League One after promotion under predecessor Paul Simpson.

He was then dramatically sacked after the opening game of the 2007/8 campaign.

McDonald - a former schoolboy player with Carlisle - has subsequently managed Swedish side Ostersunds, Blackpool and Limerick, and coached at clubs including Bolton, Blackburn and West Ham.

New boss Taylor, the former Portsmouth, Bolton, West Ham and Swindon player, said: “I’m extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to be head coach of Walsall and I’m really excited.

"In football and life, a lot of it is about timing and in my opinion it’s very good timing."

McDonald's departure from Barrow follows the decision of caretaker boss Rob Kelly to turn down the permanent position. The south Cumbrians are currently seeking a new manager.