Walsall boss in a transfer scramble

Dean Smith was today braced for a January transfer scramble as he bids to pump new life into Walsall.

The boss, appointed until the end of the season yesterday, will be backed by the Saddlers board with the club bottom of League One.

He has already brought in Norwich midfielder Matt Gill and is eyeing further new recruits having sent Steve Jones to Motherwell and seen Ryan McGivern recalled by Manchester City this week.

"We're all trying at the moment. The chairman and board are behind me, helping me in trying to get players in and we're not leaving any stone unturned," he said.

"We've got priorities all over the squad. We need cover in the full-back position but all positions need looking at and we're looking to strengthen.

"We certainly need to beef up the squad but it's got to be players who are as good or better than what we've already got. There's no point bringing in people for the sake of it. I don't think the transfer window is everything it's made out to be.

"People sit on their hands and see what's out there until the end of the month. That's why there's such a rush at the end of the window."

And Smith isn't afraid to utilise loans – despite the club being stung this season. Former boss Chris Hutchings brought in six loanees, who have all gone back to their parent clubs leaving Walsall at the foot of the table.

He said: "The loan market is always better to play in January than it is at the start of the season.

"Players' contracts are up in the summer and they want to go out and impress.

"If they can impress you there's a chance of a contract. At the start of the season there's a long way to go before their contracts are up."

Smith has already lost out to Bradford for Hull starlet Mark Cullen for geographical reasons.