Saddlers' Richards issues warning to rivals

Matt Richards today fired out a promotion warning to Walsall's rivals and insisted they should be running scared of the Saddlers.

The midfielder expects Chris Hutchings' men to mount a serious play-off push next term and surprise their big spending opponents.

The Saddlers host MK Dons on August 7, the first day of the season, and Richards says they will better last season's 10th place.

"Next season we'll be even stronger. If the manager adds to the squad this summer we can be contenders," said Richards, who faces competition from newboy Paul Marshall.

"We can push towards the play-offs, I don't see why we can't aim for that and try and get a top six place.

"We can improve our position. It's a young team, there are a few experienced players, but as a whole it's a young team. We're still learning a lot so I think the more experience we have the better we'll be."

But Richards believes the league, which now includes Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Southampton and Plymouth is the best yet.

"It's going to be a different league in a sense there are a few different teams, but it's just as just as strong, if not stronger, than last season," he said, with the Saddlers also hosting Plymouth and Colchester in the opening weeks.

"Peterborough are still a strong team, Plymouth have been in the Championship for few years and Sheffield Wednesday are a massive club with big support.

"It's going to be as strong as ever and the teams who didn't get up like Swindon will be at it again and trying to get up there.

"Huddersfield and teams like that are going to come back even stronger and improve on last year."

The Saddlers return for pre-season on July 1 and Richards is eager to get back to training after a break.

"I didn't have to worry about contracts and others teams. I was fortunate in having next year sorted. So I can relax and come back prepared for next season," said the 25-year-old.

Meanwhile, season ticket holders have until June 30 to renew before their seats go on general sale.

Fans can call 01922 651 414/416 for more information and to renew.