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Walsall can be a force says Darrell Clarke

Manager Darrell Clarke believes he has around 15 players capable of making Walsall a force in League Two next season.

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But the 41-year-old believes his squad won't be complete until he has made another three or four additions.

The Saddlers, who spent last week training in Poland, slipped to a 2-1 friendly defeat at Notts County on Saturday.

Clarke's side dominated until the 60 minute mark at Meadow Lane when both teams made a raft changes.

But the boss wasn't happy with his side's performance once those substitutions had been made.

And he felt that highlighted the need to make more additions before the transfer window closes on September 3.

"I think when you look at all the pre-season games – when you look at what I’d call my first eleven to a certain extent – we have probably got 14 or 15 players that I am comfortable can handle League Two as a force," the boss said.

"We need to add three or four more players to that.

"Then I think we will be in pretty good shape too be honest. So we’ll see where we are on September 3."

While insisting nothing is close, Clarke revealed a striker is amongst his priorities with the Saddlers currently only able to call on Elijah Adebayo, Josh Gordon and Mitch Candlin after Morgan Ferrier requested a move away.

Another defender is also amongst Clarke's chief targets.

"There is nothing too close but we certainly want three or four more in," the manager continued.

"Certainly at the top end of the pitch we need some cover.

"And I’d like to bring one more experienced player in as well.

"I don’t want to be short at the back that’s Obviously the defensive record last season wasn’t great. I want to make sure we have got leaders back there.

"But I thought we defended superbly at Notts County at times. We held our line really high and caught them offside on numerous occasions.

"That is testament to the work we have been doing with the boys."

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