Jon Whitney: Walsall pre-season plans underway

The Saddlers travel to take on Bradford today on the back of a three-game winless run that looks to have ended their hopes of promotion this year.

With seven games in League One still remaining, Whitney is determined his side will end the current campaign on a high.

But that hasn't stopped the manager planning for next year, with summer transfer targets identified and pre-season training already arranged.

"We have got pre-season planned," Whitney said. "I have looked at my training sessions and all the sessions are done.

"Most of my games (friendlies) are booked in. Most of it is done and dusted. We have to think that far ahead. It's the same with players, you have to work out which players might be available.

"We have to look at holes we might need to fill. But there are a lot of factors and you always have to have a few targets because I've learnt that a lot of external influences affect things.

"Sometimes, just when you think you have got your target, something scuppers it at the last minute.

"So I have to make sure I am well prepared for whatever happens in the summer."

Meanwhile, defender Scott Laird admits he is enjoying his new role after being moved from full-back to centre-back in recent weeks.

"I do enjoy it at centre-back," the 28-year-old said.

"I seem to get a bit more of the ball and the game is in front of you.

"Everyone knows I do like to get forward – I think that is a big part of my game.

"But the gaffer sees as doing a good job in a back three and whoever is in there, Kory (Roberts), Jimmy (O'Connor), Matty (Preston), Eoghan (O'Connell), myself, we are all good footballers.

"To play in that role you need to be able to handle the ball which we all can and also be vocal."