Alex Nicholls signs Walsall contract

Walsall striker Alex Nicholls has penned a new two-year contract which keeps him at the Banks's Stadium until the summer of 2012.

The 22-year-old, who came through the Saddlers' youth ranks, made 39 appearances in all competitions last term and today put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Manager Chris Hutchings said: "I'm pleased to have Alex on board.

"He is an important member of the squad and, like last season, I expect to see him competing for a regular place in the starting line-up.

"It is important that the club continues to progress and look to the future and now, with Alex's long-term future secured, he too can concentrate on his on-going development."

Stourbridge-born Nicholls follows Manny Smith in pledging his future to the club in the form of a new contract.

But captain Mark Hughes heads a group of seven players still mulling over offers of a new deal.

These include goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, Julian Gray, Richard Taundry, Daryl Westlake, Will Grigg and Jamie Vincent.