Dean Smith: Clubs hold the upper hand

Walsall boss Dean Smith today insisted clubs hold the cards in the transfer scramble and they will not be held to ransom.

The Saddlers chief warned players they must be realistic in their wage demands or face the scrapheap.

Smith is ready to remodel his squad this summer after beating the League One drop and said new players cannot be greedy with clubs struggling for cash.

He said: "You see with a lot of cuts with TV money and revenues and Greg Clarke (chairman of the Football League) recently came out and stated how many clubs are in debt. The clubs at the moment are not going to be going out and throwing a lot of money at players.

"The players will have to accept the economic climate we're in and the trouble some clubs are in.

"It's an advantage for all the clubs, they know what they've got and can't go overboard. We're no different."

Smith released six players last week – including Jon Macken, Kevan Hurst and Oliver Lancashire – and offered contracts to nine.

He is hoping to keep Emmanuel Ledesma, Manny Smith and Mat Sadler among others, ahead of another summer rebuilding job.

Smith is due to talk to record appearance holder Jimmy Walker this week over his future with the goalkeeper's contract expiring at the end of next month.

And he will also see striker Ryan Jarvis after his loan spell at Torquay ends, with the Gulls trailing Cheltenham 2-0 after their League Two play-off first leg.

League One rivals Tranmere and Oldham released seven and nine respectively – showing the Saddlers are not alone in wielding the axe - and Smith expects a huge pool of players to sign.

Smith added: "There will be a surplus of players to pick from and if the players want to be choosy then you'll end with a few players without clubs come the start of the season.

"My advice to them would be if you get offered something – sign."

Meanwhile, the Walsall All Stars host Wolves All Stars at the Banks's Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm).

Boss Smith, Zigor Aranalde, Michael Ricketts and Chris Marsh are all confirmed to play in a game which will raise money for cancer charities CLIC Sargent, Fat Boys and the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Tickets are £3 for adults and £2 for concessions.