Walsall are investing in the future

The revolving door is finally grinding to a halt - Walsall are now investing in the future rather than looking for that quick fix.

Usually at this time of year the Saddlers are at square one, looking at a major rebuild rather than fine tuning. But the tide is now turning.

With players signing two-year deals, you can look at the club with a degree of conviction. There are settled foundations on which to build. An established squad means a brighter future.

Sure, the news from the Banks's Stadium barely makes ripples in the current market but for the Saddlers it's massive. The chinks of light breaking through the cloud over Walsall can change the face of the club.

They are still a poor relation in League One and over-achieved last season, meaning a sense of proportion and realism must be attributed to the deals.

Dwindling attendances and the financial climate make contracts particularly significant. The prickly financial climate has forced clubs to shed players, but freeing the cash to tie down their prized assets isn't a luxury others can afford.

It's hardly easy at the Banks's Stadium, but they've pulled the readies out of the proverbial pot.

Mark Hughes, goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin and Jamie Vincent may have left for pastures new and, with just 12 senior players on the books, the Saddlers aren't where they want to be. But creating a squad takes time and finally the changes so desperately needed are evident.

It has happened before in special cases, individuals highlighted for exceptional treatment. But now there is a determination to make the offer of two-year contracts to those deemed worthy enough the norm.

Alex Nicholls, Richard Taundry, Manny Smith and Darryl Westlake have all profited from the new direction.

The club have an option of extending Paul Marshall and goalkeeper Jonny Brain's stay, while the majority of those who expire next season penned two-year deals in the first place.

As it stands they only have six senior players out of contract next year. It has been a bugbear of boss Chris Hutchings that his work behind the scenes has gone relatively unnoticed.

But the Saddlers chief is slowly revitalising a club which is now on an upward curve.

A huge nod must be given to the chairman as he holds the purse-strings, but Hutchings is the driving force. Past incumbents have not done as much.

The manager has to work with what he's got. There is little room for manoeuvre, making the extended deals more impressive.

Walsall's prudence has been their own downfall in the past, but they are now committing themselves to the long term.

The players will eventually leave but they will go on the Saddlers' terms, maximising the profit which is so valuable to clubs of their stature.

They are a selling club, like any outside the top six in the Premier League. Hutchings is realistic, there's nothing he and chairman Jeff Bonser can do except maximise the profit.

Yes, money is tight but confirmation of two-year deals is tantamount to new signings. It's too early to say what the Saddlers can achieve next season.

Moves off the pitch this summer have stabilised the squad, now the players must do their bit.

By Nick Mashiter