Saddlers swoop to snap up two more

Walsall manager Dean Smith today signed up trial duo Ben Purkiss and Nicky Featherstone to contracts for their new League One season.

Purkiss and Featherstone have both penned one-year deals but there's no word as yet on James Chambers, the last remaining trialist.

Chambers, Purkiss and Featherstone all played a part in Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat at League Two outfit Burton Albion.

Chambers – the twin brother of Saddlers midfielder Adam – got the full 90 minutes and last played alongside his sibling at the pair's first club, tomorrow's opponents Albion.

Purkiss and Featherstone both played under Walsall assistant boss Richard O'Kelly, back at the club this summer, at Hereford last season while Chambers finished the campaign on loan to the Bulls.

James Baxendale, who landed a one-year deal last week, is another part of Hereford's previous campaign to benefit from O'Kelly's recommendations to manager Smith.

He said: "Ben is a steady and reliable performer who has played the majority of his games at right-back, but can also play in the centre.

"As a result he gives us options in the back-line. He's a player of undoubted talent who is also a good organiser.

"Nicky is a player that I have admired for some time. He's a midfielder who always makes himself available and keeps the ball well.

"I am delighted that we have been able to bring him here."

Looking forward to the upcoming campaign, the Saddlers boss admits Northern Ireland striker Will Grigg could be a "big player" with his goal a plus in Saturday's loss.

Grigg also found the net in the previous pre-season game, last Tuesday's 3-2 win at Kidderminster Harriers, and appears to be kicking on.

The 21-year-old got the winner on the final day of last season at Milton Keynes Dons in May and then won his first full international cap against Holland the following month.

Smith said: "Will has done well, he finished last season really well and then made his full international debut, so he's come back full of confidence.

"Things are looking bright and, hopefully, he can keep on the goalscoring trail. He could be a big player for us, that's all down to him, but I am hoping he will be.

"He's maturing all of the time and we sometimes forget he's still a young player, as he's led the line so well.

"I don't want to put pressure on him, but he's on the right track."

By Craig Birch