Dean Smith eyes signings
Walsall boss Dean Smith today insisted he knows the importance of getting his summer shopping right and admitted new signings are "top of the list".
Walsall boss Dean Smith today insisted he knows the importance of getting his summer shopping right and admitted new signings are "top of the list".
The Saddlers chief has made revamping the squad a top priority to avoid another season of struggle.
He has decided on his released and retained list, which will be announced next week, as he looks to mould his own team.
The Saddlers are safe ahead of Saturday's final game at MK Dons and are four points clear of the League One drop zone in 19th.
And after securing survival at the weekend Smith is ready to implement his plans for summer rebuilding.
He said: "It's about getting the right players and recruitment will certainly be top of the list.
"We can start planning, we've still got one game to see out the season, but we can certainly start planning for next year. It gives us a head start, last season I was planning a minute after the final game finished but this year I can do it a week before."
The Saddlers secured League One safety with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Huddersfield – relegating Wycombe, Chesterfield and Exeter.
They go to stadium:mk knowing they could hit the 50 point mark usually associated with safety by winning after surviving on 47 points – two less than last year.
And Smith insisted it highlighted the competitive nature of League One and how difficult staying up is.
"It certainly does, it doesn't matter what number you have to get to you have to reach it to stay up," he said.
"You look at Charlton on 98 points, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Huddersfield and MK Dons have amassed totals which normally get teams up. I think it's a tough league especially with those five big teams in it.
"Staying up is an achievement and success for us because of the position but not one we want to celebrate. You can still see the relief on people's faces and the players know how hard they have had to work.
"It's a long season and you only have to look at the dressing rooms at Wycombe, Chesterfield, Exeter and Rochdale to know how hard it is to stay in the league."
