Dean Smith's not jealous of Cherries

Boss Dean Smith today insisted he isn't jealous of Bournemouth's Russian roubles as Walsall aim to pick the Cherries' pockets.

Oil tycoon Maxim Demin bought a 50 per cent stake in the south coast club – who visit the Banks's on Saturday – for £850,000 in November and has splashed the cash this month.

Wolves' Scott Malone, Charlton's Simon Francis, Crawley's Wes Thomas and Charlie Daniels from Leyton Orient have all joined to revamp the squad.

But Smith, who is relying on loans and free transfers in January, knows he must shop in the bargain basement.

"You have to get on with what you've got, a Russian has gone in there and has some money but we have to focus on what we've got," he said.

"Bournemouth have spent some money and I read they made a bid of £500,000 for Matt Ritchie at Swindon so it shows they have got some financial clout behind them.

"They signed Charlie Daniels for £150,000 and I know him very well as we took him to Leyton Orient.

"They'll believe they're getting a better calibre of player at the moment but if we keep doing what we're doing then we'll be OK."

The Saddlers beat Bournemouth 2-0 at Dean Court in August – their last away win – and Smith again targeted more points at home with Walsall three league games unbeaten at the Banks's Stadium.

"We've got four points out of the last six at home and they will become important again now – none more so than Bournemouth on Saturday," added Smith, nominated for League One's December's Manager of the Month gong.

Meanwhile, striker Connor Deards has joined Blue Square North outfit Hinkley United on a month's loan.

The Saddlers have already sent out youngsters Jake Jones and Aaron Williams to Redditch United, Joey Butlin to Sutton Coldfield Town, Jonny Haynes to Rushall Olympic and Malvind Benning is at Evesham United.