Express & Star

Ben Purkiss among four released by Walsall

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Walsall have released four players - including defender Ben Purkiss - as manager Dean Smith begins planning for next season.

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The Saddlers have announced Purkiss, along with fellow full-back Mal Benning, midfielder Jake Heath and striker Ashley Grimes, will not be offered deals for next season.

Purkiss made 39 appearances this season and was awarded the club's Community Player of the Season award for the second year running.

But he has been deemed surplus to requirements by Smith, who will continue negotiations with a host of other players, including skipper Adam Chambers and goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell.

James O'Connor, Paul Downing, Craig MacGillivray, James Chambers, Matt Preston, Amadou Bakayoko, Liam Kinsella, Jordan Murphy and Liam Roberts are the other players with whom the club will continue discussions over new deals.