Walsall FC boss hopeful as trialists look good

Walsall boss Dean Smith today revealed that he is closer to making new signings ahead of the new League One campaign after seeing his side in action for their first public pre-season friendly last night.

He fielded several trialists during his side's 0-0 draw with Blue Square Bet premier outfit AFC Telford United at the New Bucks Head.

The game also gave 12 first-team players a valuable 45 minutes as he played two entirely different XIs for the first and second halves.

Smith remained tight- lipped about the identity of the trialists on display – although he did reveal that former Birmingham midfielder Ashley Sammons and Adam Chambers' twin brother James were among the group – but said the game had been useful as he looks to add up to six new signings to his squad.

"We are definitely a lot nearer and things will become clearer in the next few days or so," he said.

He praised former Manchester United striker Febian Brandy, who is a free agent and enjoyed an eye-catching 45 minutes in the first half. "He has been with us for two weeks," he said. "We saw glimpses of what he can do."