Paul Downing agrees a new deal at Walsall
Walsall have agreed a one-year contract extension with defender Paul Downing.
The 23-year-old becomes the third player to commit his future to the Saddlers in recent weeks, after Rico Henry and Kieron Morris signed for two years.
Downing has made 126 appearances since joining the Saddlers on a free transfer from Albion in summer 2012.
He made 45 this season but the ended the campaign on the bench following a loss of form, after being a fixture in the team ever since he replaced the injured Dean Holden in December 2012.
But he is happy to have committed his future under boss Dean Smith, saying: "I'm delighted to be going into my fourth season with the club.
"I thoroughly enjoy it here and feel I'm progressing as a player and as a person all of the time. This season was decent with a Wembley appearance and some good performances.
"But there's always room for improvement and I'm determined to really kick on from here."
Appointed vice-captain at the start of the campaign, Downing relishes the leadership role.
He said: "I feel the number of games I've played for a young player will really stand me in good stead and I've benefitted from the experience of being vice-captain.
"I'd like to think I've been a positive influence on those around me and helped to lead the group."
And Downing has set his heart on creating more memories after the club's first appearance at Wembley when they were beaten 2-0 by Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
He added: "The hope now is we can create more memories and get into that top half of the table.
"There are a lot of positives to look back on from this season; the Wembley journey was fantastic and something we'll all remember for the rest of our lives.
"I'm proud of the number of clean sheets we kept this season and if we can carry that into next year, it will give us a solid base on which to build from.
"It's going to be another tough league, but on our day, we can give anyone a game at this level. I'm pleased to be part of it."
Downing is one of four players the club have been in talks with since February with Henry, Richard O'Donnell and Tom Bradshaw.
Discussions restarted with O'Donnell this week and officials are still in talks with Bradshaw, who has a year left on his deal, as well as the Chambers twins.
