Walsall firm on Richard O'Donnell stance
Boss Dean Smith claims Walsall have done everything possible to keep Richard O'Donnell after the goalkeeper was left out for the first time since joining the club.
The Saddlers' No 1 had made 105 consecutive appearances since arriving at the Banks's Stadium in July 2013.
But he was replaced between the sticks by youngster Craig MacGillivray for Saturday's 2-0 home win over Oldham.
O'Donnell is out of contract at the end of the season and yet to indicate whether he will accept a new deal after months of negotiations.
Smith insists Saturday's decision was not influenced by that situation and he remains in the dark as to what decision the keeper will make.
He said: "It is down to Richard and his agent. We have done everything we can. It is part and parcel of football. He has done well and, rightly, got the plaudits. With that, other people come.
"We have been in negotiations, offered a contract in November and then a new one in February. We have done all we can to try and keep him."
O'Donnell has kept 21 clean sheets this season and before Saturday still had a chance of equalling the club record for most in a season.
Smith revealed the 25-year-old agreed playing MacGillivray was the right decision, as the Saddlers assess their options ahead of the summer.
Smith also accepts there could be interest from other clubs in top scorer Tom Bradshaw, after he reached 20 goals for the season with a first-half brace against the Latics.
Meanwhile, Saddlers take on Chasetown in the Walsall Senior Cup final at home tonight. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
