Sam Mantom refusing to close door on Saddlers return

Sam Mantom today refused to rule out a return to Walsall – but targeted making an Albion impact first.

The midfielder, who helped the Saddlers avoid the League One drop during a successful loan spell, would be keen on another stint at the Banks's Stadium.

Mantom has a year left on his Baggies deal, with another year's option in the club's favour, and wants to impress at The Hawthorns.

But he admitted if his chances are limited at Albion he would jump at the chance of a Saddlers comeback.

He said: "You know if you come in and do well you'll always be on the radar next year. I wouldn't turn the chance (of coming back) down.

"If I'm playing in the reserves and struggling to find a loan club then I know Walsall will probably come back in for me. I want to be playing competitive football, maybe in the Championship if possible.

"But first and foremost I've got to get a good pre-season under my belt, go back to West Brom and show what I can do.

"I've played against the top six in League One and that's great from my point of view. I've played the best teams in the league and some who are going to be playing in the Championship next year.

"I've pitted my wits against them and hopefully I can see if I can play to that standard."

And the 20-year-old, who scored three goals in 13 appearances as the Saddlers finished 19th in League One, thanked boss Dean Smith for the chance.

"I felt I improved massively, I felt more confident in myself. I used to shy away when I was a bit younger, playing against bigger sides," said Stourbridge-born Mantom.

"But now I'm 20-years-old and because I was only there for 10 games or so, I knew it was a massive opportunity. I thought I grabbed it with both hands.

"All I wanted to do was to keep Walsall in the league, play a few games and score a few goals. It's a great club – a great set-up.

"Everyone was trying for the same thing and everyone was fighting on the pitch to keep the team in the league."