Dean Smith looking for more help after Butler leaves Walsall
Walsall were today preparing for life without influential skipper Andy Butler as manager Dean Smith claimed potential replacements have already been identified.
Butler's exit from the Banks's was all but confirmed yesterday when the Saddlers announced the centre-back had rejected the option to extend his contract by a further year.
The 30-year-old is believed to be negotiating with other clubs and has been strongly linked with a move to Sheffield United, though Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough are said to be among a host of clubs interested in his services.
His departure will leave a big hole in the Saddlers defence but Smith says he and his coaching staff have been preparing for this scenario and have spoken to possible replacements.
"Andy was always honest with me from the start and at the end of the season he told me he has a really tough decision to make," said Smith.
"When he said that, I knew it could have gone either way.
"I have had to plan for this outcome and we have been doing that, with me and Richard (O'Kelly) and Neil Cutler speaking to a number of players and a number of agents over the last few weeks."
Butler's future had been the subject of speculation for several weeks and the news he is leaving will be hugely disappointing to many fans.
The former Huddersfield Town man has attained almost legendary status in three-and-a-half years at the club, since joining a free agent in November 2010. After being made captain when Smith took charge he played a huge part in the 2011 "Great Escape" and last season scored the winner in the famous win over Wolves at Molineux.
Smith believes Butler's decision ultimately came down to the strain of commuting from his home near Doncaster.
"At his age it can be hard work when you have young kids and have to come down to train," added Smith.
"I think we have had the best three-and-a-half years out of him. He has been brilliant."
For Smith the work to maintain and build on his remaining squad now continues. The manager has spoken to defensive duo Ben Purkiss and James Chambers this week and is hoping to have new deals for the pair confirmed in the coming days.
