Sam Mantom expecting new additions

Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom is confident boss Dean Smith will bolster his squad with a number of quality additions this summer.

The creative schemer, who missed the majority of the last campaign with a knee injury, believes adding the right players will see the Saddlers mount a promotion charge.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble has already confirmed Smith has been given an increased transfer budget for next season as the club aims for a top-six finish.

And Mantom is delighted to see the board back their manager.

"It's nice to hear the gaffer is going to have a bigger budget," he said.

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"It's well known that we have one of the lowest in the league so he's worked wonders on that. With a little bit more cash, who knows what he can produce?

"The top six has to be the aim but all the players have to do their bit.

"I definitely think it's a realistic but we must get ourselves up there in the early part of the season because once you start chasing it becomes difficult. You don't want to be relying on other teams losing."

The Saddlers struggled for goals in League One last season with their total of 50 the fifth lowest in the division.

Mantom has high hopes he will chip in next season but told his team-mates they need to do the same.

"I'd like to think I can add a few goals, I got five or six the year before last and it's crucial we score more," he said.

"You only have to look at the top sides to see that goals come from all over the pitch.

"We can't just rely on one or two people to get the goals because we're never going to get where we want scoring at that ratio.

"It's up to the gaffer now to bring in a few players of top quality."