Walsall boss Mat Sadler taking care to target right forward options

The Saddlers were beaten 1-0 by Birmingham City at Bescot on Saturday as Blues forward Alfie May turned home during the second-half.

Walsall’s Charlie Lakin, Jamie Jellis and Ryan Stirk all saw efforts saved as the Saddlers failed to find the back of the net.

And, the Walsall manager confirmed he is still searching for a front-man before the season starts.

“I’m trying,” said Sadler. “I’ve got to be patient and get who I want.

“I’m not just going to bring anybody in. If I wanted anybody then I could’ve weeks ago.

“There’s ones that I want and I’ll keep trying to get these ones until I can try no longer.

“I want to improve us, that’s the remit, improve us from last season and give us the best chance of having a really good, competitive squad.

“I won’t just bring anyone in. I want the right ones.”

Despite his side being unable to find the net, Sadler was more than satisfied with the performance, saying; “There’s loads of good stuff fitness wide, and no injuries too which is pleasing.

“Charlie had a really good chance and a couple in that little spell. It would’ve been nice to see them hit the back of the net.

“There was loads of good stuff in terms of our shape and how we wanted them to set up and how we want to be as resilient and hard working as we can.”

Meanwhile, in defence, Sadler was full of praise for his side as they reduced their League One opponents to just one goal.

The Walsall boss is pleased to have so many options at the back with competition for places.

Sadler said: “I’ve got really good options in there with Dave (Okagbue) and Priestly (Farquharson), and Harry (Williams) didn’t play today.

“We’ve got really good options at the back-end, and I’m going to have to use them all.”