Stefan Gamble: We know what we need

Chief executive Stefan Gamble insists Walsall know what is needed to compete for a play-off place next season.

The Saddlers' last sustained promotion push came back in the 2012/13 campaign when they finished ninth – six points outside the play-offs – in Dean Smith's first full season in charge.

After two successive mid-table finishes, hopes are high at the Banks's that Walsall can once again compete for promotion in what is expected to be an open and exciting League One.

And Gamble trusts the club has what it takes to be successful

"We've got a lot of players signed on contracts for next season and we've still got a few out of contract that we're working on. So we're positive moving forwards, we want to do better than last season," Gamble said.

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"We want to have a more concerted push for the Championship – that has to be the aim because there were some fantastic highs last season but also some areas where we under-achieved."

Walsall were the division's draw specialists in 2014/15 having shared the spoils 17 times. And Gamble believes converting those draws into wins is key for future success.

"We didn't score enough goals last season but the defence was pretty solid throughout apart from a few exceptions," he said.

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"I think we've got to convert those draws into wins if we're going to have a sustained push for promotion," Gamble added.

"On the whole there's a lot that doesn't need fixing but there are couple of areas where we need to improve."

Meanwhile, Walsall are reported to be interested in signing out-of-contract Plymouth forward Lewis Alessandra.

The Pilgrims have offered a new deal to the 26-year-old, who was their second top scorer behind Reuben Reid during the 2014/15 season with 13 goals in all competitions.

Bury are also said to be interested.