Walsall re-enter the reserve league
Walsall's re-entry into the Central League has been rubber stamped after the fixtures were released – a year after they withdrew from reserve team competition.
Walsall's re-entry into the Central League has been rubber stamped after the fixtures were released – a year after they withdrew from reserve team competition.
Manager Dean Smith has opted to field a second string next term, after former boss Chris Hutchings took them out of the league in favour of behind-closed-doors friendlies.
Smith said: "I feel that it's important for us to be involved in a reserve league, particularly for those young professionals.
"The first and second year lads tend to fall into something of a black hole where they don't get enough minutes of action.
"Being back in the Central League will certainly help in their development, as it will give them regular matches."
The Saddlers' first game back will be against Stoke at the Banks's Stadium on August 24 at 2pm.
They will also face Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Port Vale and Burton.
