Dean Smith rules out return for Anthony Gerrard

Walsall manager Dean Smith has ruled out a move for defender Anthony Gerrard.

The Saddlers boss is on the hunt for a new centre-back after James Chambers opted to retire from professional football earlier this month.

Doncaster's Liam Wakefield featured on trial in last week's friendlies against Rushall Olympic and Villa but Smith has decided not to offer him a deal.

Many Saddlers' fans had hoped the boss would instead turn to free agent Gerrard who enjoyed a hugely successful spell at the Bank's Stadium between 2005 and 2009.

But Smith believes a move for the player wouldn't be right for the club.

"I have spoken with Liam and felt he isn't better than what we have already got – we have moved on from that," the boss said.

"Whoever we bring in has got to be better than what we have got so we are still looking for a central defender.

"In terms of Anthony Gerrard I don't think he is one we will go for. Anthony has been here before and a lot of people have worked with him here. I think it would be a backwards step for the club.

"It's not that Anthony Gerrard can't play at this level. I just think he has been here before and we want to move forward."

Meanwhile, Smith was delighted with the performance of his players despite watching his team slip to a 2-0 defeat against Premier League Albion last night.

Goals from Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye, both assisted by James McClean, won it for the Baggies after Tom Bradshaw missed a first-half penalty.

"It's very rare you can come off after a 2-0 defeat and be pleased but I thought we were very good," Smith said. "We had some great chances. The penalty miss, and Kieron Morris has hit the bar. But we have had other chances as well

."