Saddlers' squad future talks planned
Walsall boss Chris Hutchings is set to have talks with chairman Jeff Bonser to resolve the futures of his out of contract stars – but admits the players could have the final say.
Walsall boss Chris Hutchings is set to have talks with chairman Jeff Bonser to resolve the futures of his out of contract stars – but admits the players could have the final say.
The manager is eager to start tying down his squad for next season, as he begins to plan for the long term.
Captain Stephen Hughes, goalkeeper Clayton Ince and striker Jabo Ibehre are three of the 13 players whose deals expire in the summer.
But Hutchings, who next welcomes Huddersfield to the Banks's Stadium, knows if they offer new deals to players there's no guarantee they'll accept.
The Saddlers boss said; "We're going to have a meeting this week or early next week. There are a lot of contracts up, whether people stay or go it's up to them.
"We can offer contracts or we may not offer contracts and, if we do, it's still down to the player whether he accepts.
"He'll probably want to leave his options open with regards to other clubs so it's an ongoing thing.
"Nothing is ever settled until you are back in for pre-season unfortunately."
Ahead of their penultimate League One home game, Hutchings has reiterated that the majority of his squad are playing for their futures.
He said: "It's about playing for themselves, their families, the fans and their futures."
But he has already begun sizing up targets for next season, ahead of a summer rebuilding job.
The manager said: "We've got irons in the fire regarding people I could be interested in and we'll have to see what happens."
Hutchings knows finances are tight and concedes he may be priced out of some players but will strive to improve the squad.
He said: "Finances are going to dictate that as it will every club in the land, no matter what league you are in.
"You can only get what you can afford. We all want better, when I was at Wigan we wanted better, when I was at Bradford we wanted better and at Derby we wanted better.
"Unfortunately finances dictated. That's what it's all about, regarding players who stay and regarding players we try to get in.
"The facilities we have here are a great pulling point."
