Darren Wrack backs Walsall's Dean Smith effect

Darren Wrack today backed Dean Smith's pulling power as the boss bids to launch his Walsall rebuilding job.

The former Saddlers star reckons the boss' achievement of keeping Walsall in League One will attract future stars.

Wrack returns to the Banks's Stadium for tonight's match between Walsall All Stars and Wolves All Stars in aid of Sands, a charity secretary Dan Mole is supporting.

And, ahead of the game, Wrack insisted Smith, who guided Walsall from the bottom of the table to safety, will be an attractive manager to players.

"Any player who wants to look for a manager who is ambitious doesn't have to look further than Dean because of what he has done in only five months," said the 35-year-old, who made 383 appearances for the Saddlers.

"From what he has done in his first job as a manager is a fantastic achievement. I'd written them off at Christmas – I couldn't see them getting out of it.

"But they got over the line and that was the most important thing – it's got to have been a success for him and that's attractive to players."

Smith released nine players last week, including club captain Darren Byfield, but ex-midfielder Wrack believes he won't have to look hard for replacements.

He said: "Some of the top clubs in League One still pay some very good wages but more players will fear for their future because more are being released. That's where the clubs can get a bargain. "They will look at five players for every position and say to one 'look, we've chosen you, this is what we can offer and if you don't like it we'll go elsewhere'."

But now Wrack is looking forward to returning to the Banks's tonight after he left in 2008.

He said: "I've never played there since I left. It'll nice to be back and get a game! I haven't played since Christmas so I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a sociable occasion for the ex-professionals but everyone will want to win – they'll all tell you that. It's for a good cause as well so hopefully we can raise a decent amount of money."

Wrack will be joined by current Saddlers No.2 Jon Whitney, Ron Green and Mark Kinsella with tonight's game kicking off at 7.30pm. Adults cost £3, concessions £2 and it will be £1 to park.