Dean Smith on his new contract

Dean Smith insists his new deal ends any doubt at Walsall and he can now shape the club's future.

The boss penned a two-year contract yesterday to rubber stamp his commitment ahead of the League One survival run-in.

The Saddlers are still embroiled in a relegation fight and sit fourth bottom. But Smith said long-term security was important.

He said: "It dispels all the chit-chat like 'what's going to happen if we go down or stay up?' Now it's done and we know the manager is going to be me. It's a great challenge.

"I didn't want it to distract from the current campaign. That's the most important thing - the club stopping in the league.

"It's good for me and it's given me the opportunity to move on with the plans I have put in place. I have been planning for whatever situation arises and we can go ahead now.

"A lot of issues are going to arise at the end of the season like players being out of contract and us needing to make a decision on youth team players.

"I'm really pleased the club have got belief in me to continue the job I've been doing so far."