Stefan Gamble demands Walsall improvement
Chief executive Stefan Gamble insists a top-half finish has to be the minimum aim for Walsall next season.
In what was a dramatic day at the Banks’s Stadium, boss Jon Whitney also revealed vice-captain James O’Connor is not in his plans for the new season.
Speaking at a heated fan focus meeting last night, Gamble said he felt performances last season were not good enough and that he is expecting better in the new campaign.
“We have to improve significantly on last season,” the chief executive said. “The goal has always been to win promotion. And that remains the case.
“I’m not going to insult people’s intelligence and say we expect to finish in the top two.
“But we do expect improvement. We have to finish in the top half.”
With the new League One season just days away, Gamble said he understood fans’ frustrations that the club is yet to sign a new striker.
But he insisted Whitney is working to bring in a new front man.
“The manager spoke to eight different strikers on Saturday,” Gamble continued.
“But everyone is in the same game. Everyone is trying to sign strikers. Everyone wants more goals.
“The window is open until August 31 but we would like one in sooner rather than later and the funds are there.
“Hopefully we will be bringing someone in.
“We would like all our signings to be in on July 1 but it’s not always that simple. Players are always looking for the best deals they can get.
“We would much rather have our squad in place early. It’s a frustration. But it’s not always possible.”
Meanwhile, O’Connor looks to have made his last Saddlers appearance after Whitney told him he is no longer in his plans.
The 32-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for the club since joining from Derby in 2014.
“I’ve been open and honest with Jimmy and I’ve told him I don’t see him playing many minutes for me with the way I want to play this season.” Whitney said.
“A couple of weeks into pre-season, as a coaching staff, we felt we needed more of a physical presence at the back.
“Tactically, I wanted to try and get James Wilson and I mentioned to Jimmy he may not get many minutes because of that. I’m not closing the door on Jimmy but I don’t see him playing many minutes.”
