Walsall pre-season: New faces on show at Essington
Boss Jon Whitney has welcomed back his Walsall players for pre-season training as the countdown to the new League One season begins.
The Saddlers squad met for an initial briefing at their Essington base yesterday before heading out on to the grass to build up their fitness ahead of the new campaign.
Among the players to report were new signings Erhun Oztumer, Florent Cuvelier and Joe Edwards.
Star men Tom Bradshaw, Rico Henry and Neil Etheridge also took part in the session that was overseen by coaches Dean Holden, John Ward and Neil Cutler.
But a host of first-team regulars from last season did not turn up, indicating they see their future away from the Banks's Stadium.
Winger Anthony Forde yesterday had a medical at Rotherham as he became the latest player to turn down a new deal with the Saddlers.
Andy Taylor, Sam Mantom and Jordan Cook also did not attend yesterday.
Taylor is believed to be closing in on a move League Two side Blackpool.
The defender, who was born in Blackburn, is believed to be keen on a move back to Lancashire, while Mantom is thought to be interesting Barnsley and Rotherham.
Should all four move on, they will join Romaine Sawyers, Jason Demetriou, Paul Downing and Milan Lalkovic in leaving the club in the close season.
One player who did report for first day of pre-season training though was midfielder Isaiah Osbourne.
The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Saddlers last summer but failed to make an appearance after suffering a serious knee injury. Osbourne is now hoping to impress boss Whitney and earn a new deal.
