Walsall manager Chris Hutchings wants to sign trialist Matt Richards as he puts the finishing touches to his squad.

The Saddlers boss has been impressed with the former Ipswich man, who has been on trial with the Saddlers for a week and if he signs, could face former club Brighton in the League One opener on Saturday.

Hutchings watched his side complete their pre-season fixtures with a 1-0 win at Hereford on Saturday, thanks to Stephen Roberts’ header.

He said: “I’m interested in Matt, because he’s a good player. We’ll have a little chat and see what irons he’s got in the fire and go from there.

“I’ve seen him at left back, he’s played wide left and in central midfield and I knew he could play in all three positions.

“I felt he showed a composed performance on Saturday.”

Should versatile Richards join he will become the final piece of Hutchings’ jigsaw, as the Saddlers chief confirmed he wouldn’t sign anyone else before the start of the season unless he loses players to injury.

He said: “We’re reasonably happy with what we’ve got but if anything happens during the week we might have to go into the market.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed we don’t have to go down that line.”

Hutchings revealed his delight with the summer work-outs, which has seen his side win three, draw one and lose two of their friendly games.

He said: “We are near enough where we want to be but we’re always looking to improve.

“I’m delighted with the way pre-season has gone and the games we’ve have been all good ones.”