Dean Smith: Walsall can finish in the top six

The Saddlers get their League One campaign underway at Port Vale on Saturday with the manager claiming there is nothing for them to fear.

A busy summer at the Banks's has seen the departure of skipper Andy Butler and an overhaul of the forward line.

And while the Walsall cheief expects the division to again be tough this term – even without the likes of Wolves and big-spending Brentford – he believes his side are in a position to mount a challenge for the play-offs.

"The realistic aim is to try and get in the top six again," said Smith. "I think we are capable of doing it.

"I think it will probably be a more even league – though having said that it seems with their new owner, Leyton Orient have a bigger pot to choose from judging by their new signings.

"The teams who came down will be competitive but there is nothing we really need to fear. We will certainly respect them – Yeovil, Barnsley and Doncaster and the teams coming up.

"It is going to be a really competitive league, the standouts are probably Sheffield United, with the way they finished last season off and the signings they have made."

"Bristol City too have made a big noise in terms of the signings they have made."

Smith's men have flirted with the play-offs the past two years but ultimately fell short.

The manager has spent much of the summer trying to remedy the lack of goals which proved their downfall last time around.

"It's a tough league still, I think it is as competitive as it ever has been," he added. "There is no-one really who stands out and you would say they are going to run away with it.

"It is going to be challenging, I'm sure Peterborough will want to go one better as well. It is a challenge but one we are looking forward to."