Walsall secure signing of Mathieu Manset

The 25-year-old Frenchman has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year based on appearances.

His signing represents a remarkable turnaround after any hope of the former Reading man joining the Saddlers looked dead only a fortnight ago.

Manset, who impressed during a week-long trial at the Banks's, had initially wanted a two-year contract and had been playing on trial in Turkey until last week.

"Manset has signed," said Smith. "He is here for a year or maybe two. It is pleasing because it was a hard work deal to conclude but it is concluded now.

"It was dead at one stage. We stuck to our guns and the principles of the football club but thankfully the chairman has been instrumental in trying to pull it back together.

"I don't think the deal in Turkey came off for him and he probably saw this as a really good opportunity as well and he didn't want to miss it.

"It was a mutual thing. We contacted his representatives and he had spoken to them as well. It was a mutual thing of trying to get back together and getting a deal sorted."

Manset will go straight into the squad for Saturday's League One game at Scunthorpe but is likely to see his first action as a Saddlers player in a behind closed friendly this afternoon.

A little earlier in the evening, Smith had expressed disappointment at his side's first-half performance against Crystal Palace.

They were once more dumped out of the cup at the second round stage as Dwight Gayle's hat-trick saw the Londoners leave the Banks's Stadium with a 3-0 win.

"We kept the ball well but it was mainly in front of them," he said. "I would prefer the players to recognise that during the game rather than us have to tell them at half-time."

"The first goal was painful really because I did not think it was a free-kick. He has given handball for someone smashing the ball at him from three yards but then we got caught napping.

"It was a poor decision from the referee but poor defending from us as well. It is always difficult when you are playing against Premier League teams and Dwight Gayle has been the difference tonight."