Dean Smith: It was tough to leave Walsall

Smith left the Banks's Stadium just over a fortnight ago to mastermind the Bees' charge towards the top flight.

The fourth longest-serving manager in the country at the time of his departure, Smith took over the Saddlers' managerial reins in the 2010/11 season and saved the club from almost certain relegation.

He left with Walsall flying high in League One, but said he only opted to move on because Brentford offered him a shot at the Premier League.

"They're pushing to try to get to the Premier League," Smith said.

"I always said getting Walsall to the Championship was the improbable dream but getting them to the Premier League was the impossible dream.

"Brentford matched my ambitions."

Smith admitted he would have loved to have guided Walsall into the Championship. But now he has moved on, he hopes fans can be proud of what he achieved with the club.

"I'd have loved to have won promotion with Walsall," he said.

"There's only ever been three Walsall managers who've done it in 127 years, so it just shows you how tough it is getting Walsall into the Championship, and there's no guarantees of that.

"Moving to be Brentford guaranteed coaching in the Championship and pitting my wits against some really good coaches and players, it was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down when it came my way.

"In almost five years at Walsall, I've always done my best for the football club. I look back at where I started as the head of youth and then taking over as manager and to what I've left behind, and I think I've done a really good job and left it in a good state.

"You have to move on to new things and I don't think anybody, any of the staff or players, begrudge me the opportunity to go and manage in the Championship."

In a twist of fate, Smith will now manage against Walsall when the two teams meet in the third round of the FA Cup on January 9.

In order to achieve that tie, the Saddlers had to overcome Chesterfield in replay on Tuesday night and did so on penalties. And Smith admitted he was delighted to see them get through.

"I'm glad Walsall got through," he said. "It's been a while since they got to the third round and we had a wonderful time against Chelsea this season.

"I always said, as Walsall manager, you want a home draw against a team lower than you.

"Now I'm a Championship manager and we've got a home draw against a club lower than us, I couldn't have asked for any more.

"People make a lot out of the fact it's my old club but that's a sideshow.

"It's 11 v 11. And, if it goes to a replay, I don't mind because it'll give me a night back at home with the wife and family.

"But obviously we want to win the first game."

Smith also reaffirmed his belief Walsall can win promotion without him.

"With those players of course Walsall can go up," he added.

"I certainly hope they do it, there would be nobody more happy than me to see Walsall win promotion."