Claude Gnakpa on new era at Walsall

Claude Gnakpa has pledged to create a new era at Walsall and help bring success back to the Saddlers.

The winger is expecting big things from Dean Smith's new-look side ahead of Saturday's big kick-off with Leyton Orient.

Gnakpa is one of eight new faces who could make their debut in the League One opener at the Banks's Stadium.

And the 28-year-old Frenchman reckons the Saddlers can turn themselves around and become a force in the division.

He said: "Myself and my team-mates, we want to achieve something great here. It's a new era, totally.

"The manager did a great job last season, the club came back from eight points adrift and now he's got the job permanently, has brought in his own players and I want to be part of it. I want to achieve great things here.

"I've signed for one year but the objective is to bring success to Walsall, that's what I want to do. My head is at Walsall so we can get success. I'll work hard for the club and we'll see what happens in the future.

"I want to show people I can help this club going forward."

Gnakpa arrived this summer after netting 15 goals for non-league Luton last term and helping them to the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

Former Saddlers boss Richard Money, who managed the winger at Kenilworth Road, gave the ex-Peterborough wide man a glowing reference to Walsall manager Smith.