Walsall hope to extend loan of Andy Butler
Boss Dean Smith hopes to extend Andy Butler's Walsall stay – but the defender's future is unlikely to be resolved until after tomorrow's game with Crewe.
That is when Butler's month-long loan from Sheffield United expires and Smith plans to hold talks with the player and the Blades, with the aim of keeping the 30-year-old at the Banks's for longer.
Butler, who will start his seventh game of his loan spell against the Alex, has also stated he is happy to stay but Smith hinted a few details still need to be ironed out until an agreement is reached.
"I have spoken to Andy about it and yes I would like him to stay longer," said Smith. "But everything has to fit in for him to stop longer. Those are the conversations I have to have."
Former skipper Butler left the Saddlers in the summer and signed a two-year-deal with the Blades but was back last month after making just one appearance for his new club.
Smith has, on the whole, been pleased with his contribution over the past month.
"His contribution has been good," he said. "He has come in and we have certainly improved our results and performances at home.
"Away from home we still haven't been as consistent as we would have liked, we played well against Gillingham but Buts has also played in the defeats at Oldham and Rochdale.
"He came back against Preston galvanised us.
"What he does is balance us with his left foot as a central defender and we know he can he good in both boxes aerially."
Tomorrow's game is the first of three in quick succession for the 18th placed Saddlers, who visit Crawley on Tuesday before hosting Chesterfield on Saturday week.
