Walsall boss Dean Smith: We don't need to cash in
Dean Smith insists Walsall won't be forced to sell any of their rising stars during the January transfer window.
The Saddlers boss accepts there may well be interest in the likes of 14-goal striker Tom Bradshaw and 17-year-old left-back Rico Henry.
But with the club on a financially sound footing, they are in a position where they can confidently stand firm should the predators come calling.
"We are not in a position where we have to sell anybody," he said.
"The club is run correctly and we can ask for a price we believe the player is worth and not get forced into selling anybody.
"There will be people looking at our players, I am sure of that.
"The likes of Rico Henry, who has just come into the team and Tom Bradshaw, who has scored a number of goals.
"But we don't have to sell any of these players, we want to progress as a team and as a club.
"Progression for us is to try and push for the play-offs.
"Clubs can test our resolve but we don't have to sell."
Bradshaw's have come at a hugely impressive rate, considering he has missed a number of games with persistent hamstring injuries.
His goals-to-games ratio in the league is second only to Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa.
Smith believes the 22-year-old, who signed a two-year deal at the Banks's last summer after moving from Shrewsbury, has benefited from the dressing room environment at the Banks's.
"It has been a great run for him and it is a credit to him," said Smith.
"He comes in everyday smiling, knocks on the door and says good morning to everyone.
"He is the kind of character we want around the place and is the kind of character who has benefited from the culture and the environment we have got here.
"He enjoys it, plays with a smile on his face and is getting better and better.
"I don't think Tom is looking to go anywhere. He is enjoying it at the moment and needs a full season at this club to get better and better."
Henry, meanwhile, became the latest young player to be blooded this season.
Smith added: "They have experience and know-how and they are good young players.
"We pride ourselves on bringing young players through the system.
"We know if they are called upon they can be relied upon.
"It is something we want to get better at.
"As a club we can progress by bringing these players through."
On the back of today's home League One tie against Coventry, the Saddlers will begin their preparations for Wednesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Final first leg, at Preston North End.
