Dean Smith has high hopes for Walsall FC

Boss Dean Smith today insisted Walsall's Great Escape will prove key in his rebuilding of the Saddlers.

The boss believes the stunning survival act will prove to his targets they are a team on the up. He is keen to tie up early deals - and wants a near-complete squad by the time the Saddlers go to Scotland at the start of July.

He said: "Players will want to come and play for the club. They have seen we're on an upward curve and I'm sure they'll want to be part of it. It's a massive selling point for us that we finished off the season so well."

Smith is hopeful No.2 Jon Whitney and coach Chris Nicholl will stay next season. He has held discussions with the pair and will not be adding his coaching staff if they commit to Walsall.