Walsall told promotion aim is 'realistic'

Club director Roy Whalley insists promotion from League One is a realistic aim to achieve for Walsall next season.

The former chief executive says boss Dean Smith and chairman Jeff Bonser are targeting a place in the play-offs for the 2015-16 campaign.

The last time Walsall competed in English football's second tier was back in the 2003-04 season.

But Whalley insists the club are determined to reach the Championship sooner rather than later.

He said: "The feeling within the club is that we want to make a real push for promotion next season."

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"We visited Wembley for the first time last season in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final – hopefully we can go back this season for the play-off final."

Dean Smith has confirmed he has been in talks with a number of players in recent days and is believed to be close to making two or potentially three new signings.

But he thinks a return to the Banks's for former winger Emmanuel Ledesma is unlikely after his contract with Middlesbrough expired.

Smith believes his wage demands will price him out of a return to the Banks's Stadium.

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