Richard Taundry signs new Saddlers deal

Richard Taundry today penned a new two-year deal with Walsall as the Saddlers continue to tie down their squad before Friday's contract deadline.

The midfielder will stay at the Banks's Stadium until 2012 along with Alex Nicholls, who signed a two-year deal on Friday.

The club are now waiting on six out-of-contract players to agree new terms with Julian Gray, skipper Mark Hughes, Jamie Vincent, Rene Gilmartin, Will Grigg and Darryl Westlake yet to decide.

But Taundry has signed up and says his belief in boss Chris Hutchings was key in convincing him to stay.

"This is my club and I'm delighted to have signed a new deal," said Taundry. "I enjoyed my football last season, especially towards the end of the campaign, and I'm looking forward to carrying on from where I left off.

"The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and I really enjoy working under him and Martin O'Connor."

Taundry made 31 appearances for the Saddlers last season, scoring three times, as he impressed in his central midfield role.

He came through the club's youth system to make his debut in a 0-0 draw with Luton in 2007 and scored his first goal in the 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers in February.

"We're really pleased that Richard has re-signed," said Hutchings. "I was delighted with the progress he made last term. He is a Walsall lad who gives his all to the cause."