Former Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop is to take a break from the game following an operation to have a tumour removed from his arm.
Fulop spent four years at the Stadium of Light before moving on to Ipswich, West Brom and then to Greece with Super League club Asteras Tripoli.
His contract there came to an end at the end of the season and the Hungarian now intends to focus on making a full recovery.
Fulop told Sunderland's official website: "I am sure that, after a few months,
I will be ready both physically and mentally to continue playing football.
"What is more, I'd like to train between the treatment courses, as the doctors have said this is fine, and in fact, they heartily recommend it.
"I am very grateful to all the messages and good wishes - it really helps me that many are thinking of me."
The 62-year-old former Republic of Ireland international made more than 300 appearances as a goalkeeper for the Saddlers before joining the backroom staff in 2008 following the departure of then goalkeeper coach Eric McManus.
He announced his retirement from his full-time role at the Banks's Stadium on Monday, but Kearns will stay on in the role of matchday host and Smith had nothing but positive words for his former colleague and friend.
"He's Walsall through-and-through and he's been a real help to me since I have been manager," Smith told the club's official website.
"As a person he commands so much respect around the club; the goalkeepers that he worked with last season spoke very highly of him and he was instrumental in the outstanding development of Jimmy Walker.
"Mick is a dear friend and whilst I wish him a happy retirement, I am delighted that he will remain involved with the club and look forward to a few more rounds of golf with him!"
