Walsall defender Manny Smith has revealed he rejected offers from other clubs to stay at the Banks’s Stadium and reckons the Saddlers are the only team for him.

The young centre-half became the first player to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal on Monday.

Clayton Ince, Netan Sansara, Rene Gilmartin and Chris Palmer have all agreed to stay, but are yet to sign, while Jabo Ibehre is set to join MK Dons.

But Smith never planned to leave.

He said: “There was interest, but I’ve always been happy at Walsall. I know if I am in or out of the team I have to fight for my place.

“I knew I was always going to sign for Walsall, it just took a bit longer than I expected or wanted because people were away.

“It’s always pleasing to get things settled and signed. I’m happy I’ve signed, so I can go away and then come back to put the hard work in.”

The 20-year-old flourished once manager Chris Hutchings took control in January, playing 18 times under the Saddlers chief.

Smith believes he’s already a better player.

He said: “He’s improved me as a player, because instead of playing three games and coming out of the team I’ve played almost 20 games on the spin.

“You are always geared up for the next game.”