Byfield and Lescott let go by Walsall

Club captain Darren Byfield was today released by Walsall as the Saddlers start their summer rebuilding job.

The striker struggled with a knee injury and made 20 appearances – scoring just twice – and has not done enough to stay in manager Dean Smith's plans.

Byfield returned to the Saddlers in 2009 – after initially leaving for Rotherham in 2002 - and scored 12 goals in 60 games. He ends his Walsall career with 29 goals in 152 appearances.

Left-back Aaron Lescott has also been axed after just a year with the club – he made 39 appearances, scoring once, following a free transfer from Bristol Rovers last summer.

But Oliver Lancashire has revealed he expects to pen a new deal. The 22-year-old defender's contract expires at the end of June but he is close to agreeing an extension with the Saddlers.

Lancashire helped the Saddlers beat the League One drop by a point on the final day of the season at Southampton on Saturday and is already planning for next term.

He said: "I think I'll be here next season. I'm sure it's nearly sorted but I'll have to wait and see.

"I've enjoyed being back in the team and I think we've improved a lot since Dean came in.

"It's looking really good for next year and I can't wait."

Double Player of the Year Andy Butler, Jimmy Walker, Matt Richards and Jon Macken are all out of contract as the Saddlers face another rebuilding job.

But Lancashire insisted Smith can take the club forward after saving their season.

The Saddlers boss succeeded Chris Hutchings in January when the Saddlers were rock bottom and eight points from the safety line and guided them to safety.

Lancashire said: "A lot is down to Dean Smith, he came in and turned us around. We picked up eight points from the last six games which was vital.

"Saturday was definitely the biggest day of my career. It was a great feeling. Since January everyone was saying we were going down but to survive on the last day of the season was fantastic.

"It was great to be able to celebrate at the club where I used to play. We knew Dagenham were losing because of the fans.

"They were great all game and we knew the scores by their reactions."