Walsall FC 'are ready to swoop'

Chief executive Stefan Gamble today moved to ease fans' fears about Walsall's transfer plans and insisted the Sadders are ready to swoop.

The squad return for pre-season training tomorrow with just six senior players and five youngsters in their ranks.

Boss Dean Smith has confirmed his interest in ex-Oldham left-back Paul Black and is keen on former Doncaster ace James Chambers, although there has been no approach.

And Gamble said the club will move for players after the likes of Mat Sadler, Lee Beevers and Alex Nicholls left after rejecting new deals.

He said: "It seems from the outside looking in there's been little going on and just players going out but in the background there has been a lot of work going on.

"Richard (O'Kelly, assistant manager) and Dean have been working very hard to bring players in. With pre-season training starting I would expect to see a lot of new faces in the near future.

"There will be a lot of players out there and they are scouring the country – and further afield – looking for the right ones.

"No doubt that will involve a trial or two along the way."

Just Andy Butler, Adam Chambers, David Grof, Will Grigg, Jamie Paterson and George Bowerman have first team experience at the Saddlers.

Striker Aaron Williams and left-back Mal Benning are expected to make the breakthrough into the senior side next season after signing their first professional deals last month.

Fellow youngsters Jake Jones, Ben George and Kieron Morris also penned contracts and complete the current senior set up.

And Benning is eager to prove he can cut it with the Saddlers.

He said: "I know the hard work really starts now but I am ready for it. I am determined to show the gaffer I am ready to do a job and feel I can really progress under him and Richard O'Kelly."