Walsall vow to stump up the cash

New Walsall chief executive Stefan Gamble has vowed to back manager Chris Hutchings with cash.

The Saddlers' new supremo has confirmed money is available to Hutchings as the club look to mount a promotion push.

Hutchings is yet to seriously dip into his budget but Gamble insists when he's ready the board will back him.

He said: "It's a competitive budget. Chris is aware there's money available to go out and strengthen his squad.

"We put everything into the football side in terms of revenues generated from all other areas. There is a pot available to Chris and it's up to him how he spends it.

"I speak to Chris regularly. We have great faith in him and we will support him whatever way he decides to go on the playing side."

Hutchings has only made two signings in goalkeeper Jonny Brain and midfielder Paul Marshall but has looked at ex-Bristol Rovers player Aaron Lescott and former Southampton defender Oliver Lancashire.

The Saddlers' pre-season fixtures start a week tomorrow at home to Wolves, before they host Villa and Coventry and travel to Port Vale.

They open their campaign against MK Dons on August 7 and Gamble reckons the Saddlers, who finished 10th in League One last season, can improve and push for promotion.

He said: "I think it's a great opportunity next year. There are 24 teams and we have as good a chance as any.

"I thought we did fantastic last season achieving a top-10 finish - joint ninth on points and there were some big teams in there like Leeds, Charlton and Norwich."