Walsall announce further pre-season friendlies

The Saddlers will host Championship side Derby County at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, July 22 with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Alongside that, Mat Sadler's team will take on National League North club Hereford in a behind closed doors game that is not open to supporters.

That fixture will be played on Saturday, July 18.

These two new fixtures make up the pre-season schedule alongside two previously announced friendlies.

First, Walsall will play at National League North opponents Leamington on Tuesday, July 8 with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Then, on Wednesday, July 16 they will take on Aston Villa at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, also kicking off at 7.30pm.

Walsall have confirmed that ticket details for the three games open to the public - away to Leamington and at home to Villa and Derby - will be announced in due course.

Sadler and his side will be hoping for a strong pre-season and start to their League Two campaign after falling at the final hurdle last season.

A painful 1-0 loss in the play-off final at Wembley to AFC Wimbledon condemned the Saddlers to another year in the fourth tier.