James Baxendale wants a ruthless Saddlers

He's confident the goals will flow for the Saddlers this season following manager Dean Smith's summer overhaul of the forward line.

After a lack of goals cost his team a legitimate shot at the play-offs last term, the manager has brought in Tom Bradshaw, Jordan Cook and Ashley Grimes and is hoping to strike a deal for French striker Mathieu Manset before the League One opener at Port Vale on Saturday.

Baxendale is convinced the Saddlers now finally have the firepower to supplement their attractive approach play.

"I think the goals will come," he said. "I feel every time we go forward there is a good chance we are going to score.

"We had the label last year after every game where we were coming off and people were saying 'good football, no goals' – I don't want people to think or be able to say that this season.

"I think we have the bit between our teeth."

Baxendale admitted he needs to increase his own personal tally after netting just three times last term, and added: "As a team we don't want to come away with the same regrets as last season and if we spread the goals around, that will help."

The midfielder is keen to get off to a flying start at Vale after admitting the opening game of the season has been at the forefront of his mind since the fixtures came out in June.

"When the fixtures come out and you see it is Port Vale, y you think about Port Vale every day," he said.

"We need to stamp our authority on the game and if we play like we did against Villa on Tuesday I think they could struggle to deal with us."