Football Season Guide

After posting a sensational escape late in the previous season, the Saddlers are looking to make sure that they have nothing to do with the drop this term. Manager Dean Smith, hailed by the fans and the board for saving the club that looked as good as relegated during the majority of the season, has so far resisted the temptation to release or sell any of his players, while making six signings on a free transfer so far. The new faces are wingers Kevan Hurst and Anton Peterlin, defenders Mat Sadler and Lee Beevers, central midfielder Adam Chamber and attacking midfielder Ryan Jarvis. All of the players are well known and proven at this level, and, while neither of them can expect to just walk into Walsall's lineup, they will all give Smith some valuable option, as the lack of strength in depth was one of Walsall's main problems last season. Despite looking so hopeless early last season, the Saddlers were always considered to be an underachieving side, as their squad is easily good enough to finish in the midtable of League One. The club's board has apparently realised that it's unrealistic to ask Smith to guide Walsall to a Play-Off place, so the charismatic manager shouldn't find himself under too much pressure if the season doesn't start as planned. What Walsall need in order to actually become a top six candidate is a 'flair' player that can provide that bit of magic in midfield - Emmanuel Ledesma was pretty underwhelming since signing in March, but if he can play up to his potential, there's no telling how far the Saddlers could go.