Walsall issue 'hands off' boss warning

Walsall have declared Dean Smith "fundamental to future plans" after rejecting Rotherham United's approach for their manager.

The Saddlers yesterday confirmed a request to speak to Smith, understood to have come from the Championship strugglers, had been "categorically rejected."

A club statement read: "In response to media speculation, the club can confirm it received an approach from a Championship club for permission to speak to manager Dean Smith.

"This was categorically rejected. As one of the longest serving managers in the country, Dean has been instrumental in the club's progress since his appointment and is fundamental to our future plans."

Rumours of Rotherham's rejected approach surfaced yesterday, with Smith among several names on a shortlist to replace Steve Evans, who left last week with the club 21st in the Championship table.

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An approach for Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink earlier this week was also rejected.

And though former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn remains favourite, Millers chairman Tony Stewart is understood to be a big admirer of Smith.

He has transformed the Saddlers since taking over in January 2011, when they were nine points adrift of safety in League One.

He kept them up and has overseen steady progress. Smith led the club to a first-ever Wembley appearance in last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy and they are second in League One.

With his family settled in the Midlands, Smith is unlikely to have been tempted – but the Millers' approach will almost certainly see a step up in negotiations over a new contract.

His deal expires at the end of this season. Smith is the fourth longest-serving manager in the country behind Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, Exeter City's Paul Tisdale and Milton Keynes Dons' Karl Robinson.