Walsall boss hails Devon trip as a success

Defender Ben Purkiss and forward Jordan Cook both picked up ankle injuries during the Saddlers week in the south west.

While Purkiss is expected to return within a couple of weeks, the extent of Cook's injury is yet to be established.

But Smith remains philosophical and believes the week as a whole was hugely beneficial to both building team spirit and helping new players like Cook, Tom Bradshaw, Craig MacGillivray and James O'Connor bond with the rest of the squad.

The Saddlers spent the week lodged at the University of Exeter and in addition to their regular pre-season training sessions also spent a day in Newquay, where the players were able to try their hand at surfing among other beach-related activities.

"In terms of fitness work it has been really beneficial and also simply getting together," said Smith. "It is just unfortunate we have picked up two ankle injuries which could not be helped.

"The players are together as a group and they were disappointed with the performance at Torquay on Saturday. But it is pre-season and we are always building up to August 9 when the new season gets underway." Smith has also been boosted by signs Sam Mantom is winning his battle with a knee injury. The midfielder played a greater role in training on Friday and, while he did not feature in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Torquay, the manager is hopeful he could return for this weekend's trip to Leamington.

First-half goals from Ashley Yeoman and Ryan Bowman saw the Saddlers end the trip with a defeat at Plainmoor, with Amadou Bakayoko grabbing a 90th minute consolation for the Saddlers. Defender James Chambers said: "With it being a pre-season game the result is not so important for us though at the same time we obviously want to perform and get a result."