Loans could be the key for Walsall
As squads go, Walsall's resembles a skeleton but Chris Hutchings is on the verge of starting his revolution.
Six months ago today Hutchings was presented as Jimmy Mullen's successor with the Saddlers lying 13th in League One.
Four months later they finished the season 13th – but with a distinct sense of improvement.
Almost two months on and Hutching is officially starting his recruitment drive.
Players have yet to arrive but, with the news the Saddlers chief has spoken to ex-Nottingham Forest defender Ian Breckin, the floodgates are close to opening.
While it can't be described as a complete rebuilding job, the manager's contacts book will be well thumbed and phone bill high.
On the face of it, it's a simple enough problem. Recruit four of five players of quality who will not only add to the squad but will improve it.
The reality is less straightforward. As Hutchings has already stated, persuading players to move on a one-year deal is easier said than done, so the answer may be to look at loan deals.
Hutchings took Robin Shroot and Sam Williams from Birmingham and Villa respectively last season – though neither made any lasting impression.
They are, to date, his only signings but a season long loan of a Villa youngsters or a Wolves protégé with a point to prove would represent good business from both ends.
For a club whose record outlay of £175,000 for Alan Buckley was made in 1979, shrewd loan signings can be key.
The Saddlers will net at least £250,000, a conservative estimate, from Scott Dann's switch from Coventry to Birmingham thanks to a sell-on clause but how much, if any, Hutchings receives remains open to debate.
With Anthony Gerrard transfer-listed and Stephen Roberts unlikely to be fit before August another centre-half is needed to compete with the emerging Manny Smith.
Hutchings has spoken to former Wigan centre-back Breckin, available on a free, and he would be the ideal experienced head to lead a youthful backline.
With solidity at the back comes creativity in midfield – something desperately lacking last season. Russell Penn was a target last season and, with assistant Martin O'Connor having finished his career alongside the 24-year-old at Kidderminster, interest could be reignited.
Shrewsbury's former Saddler Ben Davies is available on a free but has already been offered new terms at the Prostar Stadium the Saddlers cannot match.
But above all the boss needs goals.
Hutchings has already lost Jabo Ibehre's to MK Dons while Michael Ricketts has been released.
With just Troy Deeney and Alex Nicholls as front-line option, strikers are a priority.
One-time Saddler Darren Byfield, former Swindon man and ex-Crewe forward Steve Jones are all viable, free, options thatcould figure on Hutchings' radar.
