On-field leader key for Alex Nicholls

Walsall striker Alex Nicholls has claimed signing an on-field leader should be the Saddlers' top transfer priority this summer.

The 22-year-old believes the club have lacked experience in recent seasons, and believes a natural leader would provide Chris Hutchings' men with an added dimension as they look to build on last season's mid-table finish in League One.

Nicholls said: "It's only really the manager and assistant who do it. We don't have an out and out leader on the pitch and I do feel that's what we've missed.

"What we've missed is someone who has experience and knowhow and someone who will pull everyone together on the pitch.

"In previous years we've had players like Tommy Mooney.

"Just to have him around the dressing room was fantastic, he pulled everyone together and we were doing well that season.

"If the manager brings in someone for next season, it should be good and it should pull everyone together."