Walsall player exodus goes from bad to worse

Walsall's summer exodus has continued with the club confirming Paul Downing is the latest player to leave - while doubts remain over the futures of Sam Mantom, Anthony Forde, Andy Taylor and Jordan Cook.

Downing has rejected the offer of a new one-year-contract and joins Romaine Sawyers, Jason Demetriou and Milan Lalkovic in telling the Saddlers board they will be moving on.

Walsall have confirmed talks are on-going with Irish winger Forde who joined the club from Wolves in 2014 and became a key player towards the end of last season.

But they have had no correspondence with midfielder Mantom, full-back Andy Taylor and striker Jordan Cook meaning they too could be moving on.

The Saddlers have seen back-up goalkeepers Craig MacGillivray and Liam Roberts pen new deals. Promising midfielder Reece Flanagan has also committed his future to the club.

But it is the news that four first team players have now left with more potentially following that will concern supporters – with the club softening the news by confirming new signings are expected in the coming days.

A statement released by Walsall said: "The club can confirm that, following yesterday's deadline for players to accept new contract offers, Reece Flanagan, Craig MacGillivray, Liam Roberts and first-year professionals Kory Roberts and Rory Oliver, have all agreed terms.

"Discussions are ongoing with Anthony Forde whilst the club have not received correspondence from Sam Mantom, Jordan Cook and Andy Taylor.

"Romaine Sawyers, Jason Demetriou, Paul Downing and Milan Lalkovic have all declined the offers made and have indicated their desire to seek employment elsewhere. The Club would like to place on record our thanks to these players for their time at the Club and wish them well in the future.

"Talks are ongoing with a number of potential signings with the club hopeful of being able to announce a number of new arrivals in the coming days."

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