Dean Smith handed bigger Walsall budget

Walsall boss Dean Smith will have a bigger budget for next season and has targeted a striker and a right-back as he was told a top-six spot in League One is "realistic."

Chief executive Stefan Gamble confirmed at yesterday's launch of the new home kit that Smith will have more cash.

It comes after the windfall from the club's Wembley appearance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.

Gamble said: "Dean will have a decent budget for next season. I don't think it's all about the money though – it's about getting the most out of the players you have.

"We're not going to compete with some of the teams in our division even with the windfall from the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. So I don't think you can approach it in a 'money league' type of way.

"We believe in what we do and we have to bring in the right players within the budget we have and I see no reason why we can't approach the season in a really positive vein."

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Saddlers want to bring back Manchester City loan striker Jordy Hiwula, but Gamble said they want at least two additions.

He said: "There won't be wholesale changes but it would be nice if we can get another striker in and, with letting Ben Purkiss go, there's a berth to be filled at right back, although potentially we have cover in that area.

"It's a chance to bring a bit more quality in, but we've already got a pretty decent squad in place."

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Gamble believes the improved budget makes the play-offs within their grasp next term and Walsall want to extend the contract of Tom Bradshaw, but he expects interest in the 20-goal top scorer.

He said: "I think that's inevitable - we haven't had any to date but you don't have a player score 20 goals who doesn't attract interest.

"Regardless of any interest or how he ended the season, we were very interested in tying Tom down on a longer contract."

Walsall's new home kit is available from the club shop from 10am today.