Fans and players sorry to see boss Dean Smith go

Walsall players and fans were united in their sadness at seeing boss Dean Smith leave the Banks's.

Winger Milan Lalkovic paid tribute to the former boss on Twitter, saying: "All the best to Dean Smith great man and great manager."

Striker Tom Bradshaw, who was signed from Shrewsbury by Smith, wrote on Instagram: "I'd like to thank Dean Smith and Richard O'Kelly for all the support they have given me in the last 18 months.

[video]

"They have been instrumental in the progression of my career, I learned a lot from them both and wish them the best!"

Former skipper Martin O'Connor tweeted: "Deano's off to the smoke! Good luck mate, you're off to the big leagues."

Saddlers fan Paul Townsend, visiting from from Adelaide, Australia, said: "I'm very disappointed I thought he would actually see out his contract, he's taken the team to the top of the league and Wembley this year so I'm very surprised that he would actually go to Brentford of all clubs.

"I know it's an awful thing to say but it's money.

[tweet id="671352925160124417"]

"It would be the only think I could think of, because I mean Brentford are not a very fashionable club.

"I can understand him going to a high standard team in the Championship or even the Premier League, but not going to Brentford of all clubs."

Daniel Barker, aged 27, from Willenhall told the Express & Star: "I'm disappointed. I think it's poor timing for the club. He's spent the last four-and-a-half years getting us into the best position he could, building a team that can defend and attack at the same time has took a few years to put together on a shoestring budget.

"It's a shame he's picked now to go, maybe you could understand it if Brentford have thrown enough money at it, or suggested perhaps that in January he can have a few quid to build a team that he could potentially take to the Premier League.

"If a club like Brentford have said 'we believe you're the man to take us to the Premier League', you can see why he's decided to go."

Alan Lycett, aged 35, of Walsall, added: "I'm not annoyed, just shocked really considering how we are going in the league at the minute – we're flying."