Trialists wait to learn their Saddlers fate

Walsall were today facing D-Day on trialists James Chambers and Jordan Stewart.

But the club looked set to go into tomorrow's Capital One Cup season opener without the duo.

The free agents would have had to be registered by noon today to be involved in the Banks's Stadium clash against Brentford, but the early signs were that they weren't going to be involved, although they could sign for the Saddlers next week.

"James has been training with us since the start of pre-season and we'll come to a decision with him and Jordan Stewart at the end of the week," said boss Dean Smith.

"They've done really well. Jordan came in for a week and then went away for a week and then came back and played against Albion.

"I said to him I'll speak to him at the end of the week to tell him where we're going. Likewise with James; he's been here a bit longer."

Smith believes the pair set the right example to a largely youthful squad. "Experience is important but it's not the be-all and end-all," he said. "You also need a lot of energy and hunger from the other players.

"What we've tried to concentrate on is getting the right experienced players to help the rest and guide them because it's as important to be as good a professional off the pitch as on it."

Smith insists the season starts for real tomorrow and is taking the Capital One Cup tie seriously.

"We're using it as our first competitive game – it has to be because cup competitions are important for this club and we want to progress in all the competitions we're in," said Smith. "We'll know straight away is where we and Brentford are at. We'll see each other's squads."