Walsall's Adam Chambers backs Sam Mantom for bright future

Chambers believes Mantom is bound for Championship-level football "at the very least" and is hoping that the Saddlers team being re-assembled this summer can fulfil that ambition with him.

"I have played with him quite a lot over the last couple of years," said Chambers of his 22-year-old partner who started his career at Albion. "He is a very promising talent, his range of passing and striking balls from distance is very good. He is a very good player to play with.

"Obviously having come from West Brom he will be looking to progress his career, whether it is here or elsewhere. He will be looking to play in the Championship which I think is the least his talent deserves.

"He'll be looking to go as high as he can go. I think he is in a good place here to learn from the management and the coaching staff. He's in a good place now and he is one I would imagine other teams will be keeping an eye on."

Chamber saw his twin brother James agree terms that will keep them side by side in Smith's team for at least another year.

And the midfielder believes there's 'life in the old dog yet' as he surveys one of the happiest phases of his career.

"I have to say it is one of the most enjoyable periods of my career, just due to the fact I have been encouraged to express myself and play the right way," says Chambers.

"I have been at places before where you are told to play long ball and for a central midfielder you don't get many touches of the ball in 90 minutes.

"Here we try and play in the right way and it is what you want to do, you want to get on the ball and show what you can do.

"This is still a good place to be, you feel like things are moving forward.

"The manager and the coaches here have fresh ideas about how to play the game and that is enjoyable – they want us to get the ball down and pass it. I feel it is a great place for young players, and those a bit older to progress and get better."