Walsall boss Dean Smith targets a new goalkeeper to challenge Richard O'Donnell
Dean Smith today expressed hope of finding a goalkeeper to challenge No.1 Richard O'Donnell next season.
The Saddlers boss is in the market for a new keeper after opting to release last season's back-ups Shane Lewis and Liam Roberts.
Neither played a minute for the first team as O'Donnell was ever-present and while Smith was delighted with the form of his first choice stopper, he believes the contest for the No.1 jersey was not as strong as it should have been.
"Richard had a fantastic season last year and we will be looking to bring in a keeper to go and push him for next season because I think he needs challenging for his position," said Smith.
"I don't think there was enough of a challenge from Liam or Shane on Richard and I think he set the standard.
"Whoever comes in has got to be pushing that standard as well."
O'Donnell's form earned him the players' player of the season award and he was handed a new deal to the end of next season in January.
"Richard is another player who showed leadership skills throughout the season," added Smith.
"He is looking forward to the season already and deservedly got players' player of the season.
"You could tell it meant a lot to him. The work he and (goalkeeping coach) Neil Cutler did has pushed him to another standard and somebody else needs to come in.
"We were fortunate as he has played every game all season but had he got injured or suspended, for whatever reason, I didn't think the other two were quite ready."
