No Saddlers deal for trio

Walsall boss Dean Smith today thinned out the ranks of trialists bidding for a contract before the club's pre-season route arrives at Kidderminster Harriers tonight.

Ashley Sammons, Pete Gilbert and Spanish hopeful Rudy Torres have all been told 'thanks but no thanks' by the Saddlers boss as he continues sifting through the ranks of the summer's unemployed in an effort to assemble a challenging League One squad.

That process continues at Aggborough tonight with Smith extending the fitness demands of his players following Saturday's Wolves game while also continuing his assessment of the Banks's Stadium 'wannabes.'

They are being led by former Villa Academy striker Connor Taylor – who is expected to sign a one-year deal – and also include Adam Chambers' brother James and Nicky Featherstone, Ben Purkiss and James Baxendale.

But Smith has other strings to his bow as well after confirming the departure of players today.

"We thank them for their efforts. They have done really well but are not quite what we are after," he said.

"I'm talking to representatives of players I have had on trial but there are a couple of other players we have an interest in who have not been at the club. The process is still on-going."

Smith intends fielding a strong XI tonight and will be looking for the continuing development of the passing style he is hoping Walsall can adapt to League One's demands.

He added: "It will be a tough work-out tonight – I've got a lot of time for Kidderminster who were unlucky in the play-offs last season.

"But I'm pleased with where we are at. I think against lesser teams than Wolves, we'll certainly create a lot of chances and score more goals.

"In the second half we had a very young side – but it was good for the likes of Ben George, Malvind Benning, Aaron Williams and Kieron Morris to get some minutes under their belt in high-tempo football."