Dean Smith insists he's kept Walsall's key pair
Walsall manager Dean Smith has launched his hunt for new players convinced he has already made his two most important signings.
The Saddlers boss regards the re-signing of captain Andy Butler and Adam Chambers as crucial to his team's well-being.
Smith's men are in the Caribbean for a week to continue their pre-season preparations with training and three games against Trinidad & Tobago opposition.
They are still digesting the shock of losing their three most successful front players last season – Febian Brandy, Will Grigg and Jamie Paterson.
But Smith is determined the setbacks will not derail the progress made last season and believes in his key central defender and anchor midfield man he has the players to bond together a new force.
Smith persuaded Butler to sign a new one-year contract and Chambers a two-year deal.
The manager said: "As far as I am concerned the two biggest signings we needed to make were always going to be Andy Butler and Adam Chambers.
"They are two fantastic professionals who the other lads look to for inspiration and leadership.
"Their professionalism is second to none and their presence in the dressing room meant they were always the most important ones for me to sign."
Butler insisted the club is on course to continue its progress under Smith.
He said: "It's nice to have familiar faces coming into the changing rooms rather than the six players we had at one stage last year.
"Playing wise I think we are one of the best football teams in the league and that is thanks to the gaffer and Richard O'Kelly who want to play football."
Walsall's travelling party were at a welcome dinner last night before a double training session today – starting at 7.30am to dodge the heat later .
They will have a light morning training session tomorrow before tackling a Tobago XI.
Coventry City, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a ground-sharing deal with Northampton Town for next season.
The Sky Blues, who are believed to have held talks with Walsall about playing at the Banks's Stadium, are now said to have reached an agreement with the Cobblers.
The temporary move to the Sixfields Stadium will need to be approved by the Football League.