Martin Devaney open to Walsall return
Former loan star Martin Devaney has revealed he would welcome a Walsall return.
Former loan star Martin Devaney has revealed he would welcome a Walsall return.
The winger had a successful spell with the Saddlers last season and is a free agent after being released by Barnsley.
And manager Dean Smith is primed for a summer rebuilding job after releasing nine of last season's squad, including club captain Darren Byfield.
Devaney made five appearances for the Saddlers, scoring once, last year before a hamstring injury in November's 1-1 FA Cup draw at Fleetwood cut the second month of his loan short.
But th3 30-year-old admitted he would be keen to talk to Smith and would consider a Banks's Stadium comeback.
He said: "Absolutely, you never discount anyone and Walsall might come in with an offer I can't refuse, but we'll have to wait and see. If Dean calls, we'll have a discussion and take it from there.
"I really enjoyed my spell at Walsall, but I have to keep my cards close to my chest and there are clubs interested. It's a long summer now.
"I came in under Chris Hutchings and Martin O'Connor and I thank them for giving me the opportunity, which put me back on the map.
"I spoke to Jon Macken the other week and he said all the lads have been buzzing and Dean put them in a position to keep them in the league."
Devaney, who made just seven outings for Barnsley last term, has kept tabs on the Saddlers since he left and was impressed by Smith.
He said: "I'd been in contact with Jon and wished him all the best and asked him to pass it on to the rest of the lads.
"They did all the hard work and, hopefully, now Dean can build for the future. They have let some go, so it's a building job for him over the summer.
"I spoke to Dean while I was down there, I didn't know him that well but he took a couple of training sessions which were good."
Devaney also admitted the Saddlers' Great Escape, after they beat the drop by a point, could prove key in any decision as he won't drop to League Two.
He said: "All the clubs interested are in the Championship or League One – League Two would have been a no go."
