Sam Mantom: Big summer ahead for Walsall

The Saddlers player of the season is keeping his fingers crossed manager Dean Smith can make the necessary moves which can lead to a sustained play-off push next term.

Mantom is one of several players already signed up for next year but the club are currently negotiating with six other key men – including influential skipper Andy Butler.

And with Smith also planning to make further additions to the squad, Mantom admits he will watch developments with interest.

"I think the gaffer has got to make a few decisions," he said. "Hopefully he can keep most of the squad who are here but I think he knows he has got to add to that.

"We want to be finishing in the play-offs next season and get promoted and that's where everyone wants to be.

"Obviously it is a big summer for Walsall. Hopefully we can really kick on in pre-season and have a full season where all the results go for us and everyone is working in the same direction."

Mantom has another two years left on his current deal, while Adam Chambers, Paul Downing, James Baxendale, Richard O'Donnell and Romaine Sawyers are the other core players tied down.

In addition to Butler, negotiations are also ongoing with Ben Purkiss, James Chambers, Andy Taylor, Kieron Morris and Jake Heath.

"There are a few lads here who have another one or two years," added Mantom. "They are obviously going to be here and there are a few key players who are out of contract.

"I'll be checking the internet and Twitter and hopefully seeing some good news but I think the gaffer and the staff know how big this summer is."

Mantom admitted frustration at the Saddlers end to the campaign as they fell away from the top six and eventually finished in the bottom half.

"It was one of those seasons which just petered out really," said Mantom. "It's been pretty frustrating obviously playing and not getting the results we wanted.

"A few mistakes cost us on some occasions when we should have trounced the teams we played."