Sunday lads together again after many years

Most of the Walsall squad grew up together – even if it was in Yorkshire.

Lee Beevers and Andy Butler might not have come off the Saddlers' conveyor belt but they still know a thing or two about each other.

They played together at Doncaster Sunday League side Hyde Park Knights before Beevers – then a striker – went to Ipswich. They drifted apart as Beevers went to Lincoln and Colchester, Butler to Scunthorpe and Huddersfield.

But they linked up again at the Banks's when Beevers joined in the summer.

And with tomorrow's League One visit of Bournemouth approaching, the 28-year-old admitted Butler hasn't changed but conceded playing together again is strange.

"He was the same back then – he's still got a massive head," joked Beevers.

"He was as he is now – he headed, kicked and cleared everything back then too.

"We first played together when we were 12 years old and back then I was a striker, so it's a bit different.

"This has been the first time we've linked up in a long time.

"We drifted apart; I signed for Ipswich when I was younger and they wouldn't let me play Sunday League any more so it was a case of going down to watch.

"When we both made it professionally it was a case of seeing each other when we played against each other. We caught up that way.

"It's strange how it's worked out, really – especially that young – and we've gone completely full circle and are playing together now.

"You always think there's a chance you can do it because that's the dream when you're that age.

"It's not often when you're that young that you do end up playing professionally – let alone together – 16 years later."

Beevers partnered Butler in central defence in Monday's 2-1 defeat at Bury with Manny Smith suspended but is likely to return to right-back against the Cherries.

He was brought in as a utility man after impressing on trial in Scotland and has already played across the back four – and in goal.

Beevers went between the sticks in the 2-0 defeat to MK Dons in October after Jimmy Walker was sent off and doesn't mind being the Saddlers' Mr Fix-it.

He said: "There are plenty of positions at the minute because there are suspensions and injuries creeping up.

"It's not too bad because it's something I've been used to throughout my career, really. I've learned to play here, there and everywhere and it's cropped up again. You know at the start of the season it might be like that. You know the manager can bring someone in who can play in so many different positions to give him options.

"As we've seen over the last couple of weeks with injuries and suspensions it's worked well for everyone.

"I'd prefer to play right-back and supporting the attack but I'm happy to play anywhere the manager selects me."

Darryl Westlake is likely to drop to the bench while Middlesbrough loanee Andy Halliday is available before his deal expires tomorrow.

Oliver Lancashire is still out with a hamstring problem but Kevan Hurst came through his comeback game at Bury, after two months out with a heel injury, with no problems.

Bournemouth are without captain Adam Barrett (hamstring) and Shaun MacDonald (dead leg) while Charlie Sheringham – son of ex-England star Teddy – is sidelined with a foot injury.

Former Wolves youngster Scott Malone, who signed for Bournemouth for £150,000 this month, has shaken off a hamstring strain.

Bournemouth are 10 games unbeaten on the road and are closing in on a 50-year club record of 13 – and Marc Pugh insisted they are flying.

"The year has started brilliantly. Football is the best game in the world and we all love our job," said the nine-goal top scorer.

"It's a pleasure to be out there playing and I'm really looking forward to this year. We go in to the year five points off the play-off places and we have proved against the likes of Huddersfield and Brentford we can match any team in this league. It's important we show our belief and continue to move up.