Dean Smith patient in hunt for Walsall recruits

Boss Dean Smith today insisted Walsall must play the waiting game in the summer sales but dismissed any fears over their transfer plans.

He has signed Ashley Hemmings after the striker's release from Wolves but is aiming to fill the gaps with 15 players leaving since the end of last season.

Smith has been thwarted in his pursuit of other targets with ex-Oldham defender Paul Black joining Tranmere but Smith insisted he will be patient.

"There's a pecking order in terms of getting players," he said. "Have a look at the end of last season and the teams who were getting players in – the Prestons, Crawleys, Rotherhams – were the ones throwing the money around. The rest of us have to wait. Players and agents then become more realistic about the money you offer to them. We've got a few irons in the fire."

Smith's playing budget was cut after a 26 per cent drop in TV revenue for the start of the new season left a hole in the coffers of every Football League club.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ledesma has completed his move to Middlesbrough, signing a three-year deal.