Manny Smith pledges future to Saddlers

Manny Smith today insisted his future lies with Walsall and claimed his faces the biggest season of his life.

The defender is adamant he isn't about to follow best pal Troy Deeney out the door and is ready to shine.

Smith watched striker Deeney leave for Watford this month but dismissed suggestions he is envious and reaffirmed his commitment to the Saddlers.

"I'm a Walsall player, I'm tied down for two years and I'm going to give it everything while I'm here," he said.

"Everyone wants to better themselves, Walsall is a stepping stone but if you want to move onto bigger and better things then you need to start - and perform - at Walsall first.

"I had a good season last year but I can improve this time. I've got to get into the winning mentality first. It's always good having new faces and being the top centre half but I've got to perform.

"I've been here the longest and hopefully I can get the defence together and we can be successful."

The Saddlers' new backline has been moulded around the 22-year-old but is yet to keep a clean sheet in their four outings so far.