Gerrard warning on squad balance
Anthony Gerrard has warned Walsall to learn from past mistakes if they are to succeed without him.
The defender sealed his move to Cardiff last week after four years at the Banks's Stadium for a reported fee of around £200,000.
His exit means the Saddlers have just 18 professionals, including six teenagers, and, with boss Chris Hutchings yet to sign anyone, frustrations are growing.
Gerrard, who made 182 appearances for Walsall, says the club need to invest in experience to avoid a repeat of his first season when the Saddlers were relegated from League One in 2005-06.
He said: "We had a lot of young players the season we went down in 2006. I'm not saying if you have young players you're guaranteed to go down but you need that blend of youth and experience."
The 23-year-old was preparing for pre-season with Walsall until the Saddlers agreed a fee with the Bluebirds on Wednesday.
"I knew people were interested in me, but I was preparing for pre-season with Walsall and when I got the telephone call all my plans went to pot," said Gerrard, who could make his debut against Chasetown on Friday.
"There were four teams who were interested and some were working out what they wanted to do but were going to make bids so it's nice to know you're wanted. But I was delighted when I head Cardiff had agreed a fee, it's a great set-up."
