Walsall FC boss Dean Smith set to hand out contract rewards

The Saddlers last week tied down 20-year-old winger James Baxendale to a three year contract, the longest playing deal signed at the Banks's in recent memory.

It was a clear indication the Saddlers will use at least part of the money from the summer sale of Jamie Paterson to Nottingham Forest to secure the future of their young stars.

When asked if more contracts could be in the pipeline, Smith replied: "Certainly. We have the breathing room to do that now.

"The extra funds we have got from the Jamie Paterson move allows us to do this and build for the future and not just for today.

"We now have a plan on how we move forward and part of that is looking after these players and securing their futures and making sure we all move forward together.

"James Baxendale fits that bill perfectly with his age and the type of player and the type of character he is."

Baxendale's new deal came just eight months after he signed his previous contract and he was one of several players who put pen to paper in the opening months of the year.

Defender Paul Downing and midfielder Nicky Featherstone also signed deals which take them through to the end of the coming season, while Sam Mantom signed an initial 18-month contract when he joined from Albion in January.

The Saddlers have a host of other young stars on the brink of the first team and Smith is now in a position to offer longer contracts should he wish.

"As (chief executive) Stefan Gamble put it we nailed our colours to the mast at the end of pre-season last year about how we want to move forward," added Smith. "James Baxendale we feel is going to be a big part of the club's future. Why not offer him a three-year deal? He is getting better and better."

The Saddlers look to build on Saturday's 3-1 opening day win over Tranmere Rovers when the visit Port Vale for a Capital One Cup first round tie tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).