Rhys Weston has urged Manny Smith to stay at Walsall as Chris Hutchings’ contract deadline looms.

Centre-back Smith is still to commit his future to the Saddlers after being offered a new deal four weeks ago.

Yesterday, boss Hutchings issued a final ultimatum to Smith, Clayton Ince, Sofiene Zaaboub, Jabo Ibehre, Netan Sansara, Rene Gilmartin and Chris Palmer to agree contracts by Monday or Tuesday or see them withdrawn.

But fellow defender Weston is hopeful Smith will chose the Saddlers.

He said: “Manny has proved himself to be a valuable asset during the course of the season and he got better and better with each game he played. He’s still young and he’s got a good chance of a decent career so hopefully he stays.”