Jon Whitney hoping to add Walsall signings

The Walsall boss – who oversaw a 1-1 draw with 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth on Saturday – is looking for a striker to increase competition in attack.

Amadou Bakayako, Simeon Jackson and youngster Mitch Candlin are his recognised centre forwards, while Erhun Oztumer has featured as part of a front two recently.

Whitney is also keen on a winger and, reflecting on how the search is going, the boss said: “I am still looking to add one, possibly two, to the group to reinforce over the next couple of weeks.

“We will see how that develops this week. We’ll see how we go.”

Meanwhile, the Saddlers chief insists ‘enough has been said’ about defender Matt Preston’s departure.

It was announced on Friday that the 22-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Banks’s Stadium, had left the League One club.

He made 41 appearances after turning professional in 2013 and a statement released by Walsall said out-of-contract Preston rejected a new two-year-deal at the end of last season.

Although Whitney was keen for him to renew, a new agreement could not be reached.

On the matter, Whitney said: “The statement has gone out and I am going to concentrate on my players.

“Enough has been said about that. The statement has been put out so we’ll stick to that statement.”

Meanwhile, Whitney believes there are positives signs moving forward after picking up a point at Fratton Park. Luke Leahy scored his first Walsall goal in front of more than 17,000 supporters, but they were pegged back late on.

Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie conceded a penalty and striker Brett Pitmman converted from the spot for the hosts.

Reacting to the game and what they can take into the next game, against Bradford City, Whitney added: “It’s the character of the players – that’s what I like.

“They enjoy it when it gets a bit scrappy and we can compete when we need to, but I think we can also play.

“That will only improve as we go on, that belief will come. We are two unbeaten now and go into Bradford next week.

“Confidence builds; performances get better; players get more belief; more experience.”