Boss tipped to land Premier talent
Chris Marsh has tipped Walsall boss Chris Hutchings to raid the Premier League and entice top fight youngsters to the club.
The Saddlers legend is preparing for the Walsall All Stars game against an Easy Fit XI (7:30pm) at the Banks's Stadium which will see the return of Darren Wrack, David Kelly, Mark Rees and Ron Green.
Marsh, who made 479 appearances, between 1988 and 2001, will manage the side for the match, which is in aid of Walsall Hospice.
The former defender believes old pals Hutchings and assistant Martin O'Connor can make the Saddlers an exciting prospect for youngsters to join on loan.
The 39-year-old said: "If 'Hutch' can go to his contacts in the Premier League and pick a couple of gems up, then he's on to a winner.
"They've both played at the highest level – players should be interested. I'd sell the League as a good apprenticeship for them.
"If I was a young professional not getting a game, why not come to decent side in a decent league and get a few games?
"Saddlers will have to take over players' wages but, if they can, they should go for it."
The management duo are yet to make their move in the transfer market, with the window not officially open until July 1, but Marsh reckons they would have eyed their targets for months.
He said: "It's in the best hands and they would have been pushing ahead, no doubt about it. Who they get will be the right people.
"The players they will bring in will be proper professionals. They won't just pick up some when a retained list comes out – they will be players they would have looked at for months.
"Finances will stop them a little bit, but they know the score."
Tonight Marsh will be concentrating on putting on a show – and raising money for the hospice.
He said: "It's a fantastic charity and that's enough for us. That's the way the lads are and people don't usually see that side of footballers."
Admission is free but fans can donate money to the Hospice at designated points around the ground.
