Season of change is exciting says Walsall's Paul Downing
Paul Downing sees another summer of major change at Walsall as an exciting opportunity – and not something for fans to fret over.
The ever-improving central defender added his voice to those of Dean Smith's players backing the manager to turn up trumps in the transfer market.
For the third summer running, Smith is facing an overhaul with key figures Andy Butler and Craig Westcarr removed from the roster and doubts still about one of his top signings, left-back Andy Taylor, staying.
But Downing accepts those left behind must step up and take more responsibility as Smith once again tries to work the oracle in the transfer market on one of the third tier's tightest budgets.
He said: "I think you always have to be excited about a new season. We have had a positive two years and it's about taking the next step now.
"But it is exciting not knowing who we are going to bring in. We have not really signed anyone and I will be watching over the next few weeks to see who it is and will be ready to go when we come back.
"I don't see why we can't improve again next season. We are improving again off the pitch and we will have new ideas and we'll learn from the mistakes of last year.
"We are all a year older – the younger lads – we have all had different experiences and I'm sure we will all improve and be better next year."
Defensive colleague James Chambers is another of the players still negotiating a new deal with the Saddlers and Downing is hoping he will stay – especially after the full-back impressed in the centre of defence last season.
Downing added: " He knows the game across all the back four positions and he can step in really where required. He is definitely a good enough player.
"We are always quite well organised as a team and I think that has helped the back four as we don't get too exposed. We have some good players in the wings – we have Mal Benning waiting if Andy Taylor doesn't sign and Ben Purkiss if James Chambers doesn't sign. -We have good people ready to step in who have played games and I don't see any reason why we can't have as good or a better defensive record next year."
