Dean Smith close to strongest Walsall squad
Manager Dean Smith believes he is just one deal away from having his strongest Walsall squad yet.
The Saddlers boss is hopeful of bringing in a centre-forward by early next week before calling time on his summer dealings.
Smith has so far signed seven new players, including four in the attacking third in a bid to find the fire-power which will allow a sustained assault on the top six this season.
Aside from the exit of skipper Andy Butler, Smith has managed to retain the core of the squad which challenged for the first two-thirds of the previous campaign.
"It is progression and that is what we are looking for," said Smith when discussing his squad. "I think it will be as strong as I have had.
"Once we get the likes of Sam Mantom and Jordan Cook back and fit I think we have a really strong team. There is competition for places and to be successful that is what you need.
"I sat down with Richard O'Kelly and Neil Cutler at the start of the summer and we knew where we were going and what we were after.
"We were thankful we managed to get the players who wanted to stay.
"I think seeing Andy Taylor sign and move down to the area was a really big tick in the dressing room for the players in terms of the commitment of wanting to do well for this club."
Smith is prepared to be patient as he looks to snare his centre-forward. The player in question is currently attached to another club and the manager admitted the deal could yet be a loan.
"There is another one we are hoping to bring in as well, which will be a centre-forward," he said.
"We are hoping to have that sorted in the next couple of days but it might stretch into next week now, which is not a problem as I'm OK with where we are at.
"It could be a loan or it could be a permanent."
Walsall have confirmed their Capital One Cup second round game with Crystal Palace will take place on Tuesday August 26 (kick-off 7.45pm). Tickets are on sale from today, priced at £12 for adults and £6 concessions.
