Jon Whitney explains his Walsall additions
Jon Whitney has outlined the talents of his new signings – with the Walsall boss believing each one will make a big impact in the forthcoming campaign.
The Saddlers manager is currently working to rebuild his squad following the departure of eight players who featured regularly in last season's promotion push.
In their place has arrived Erhun Oztumer, Florent Cuvelier, Joe Edwards, George Dobson and Jason McCarthy, with more new recruits expected this week.
And Whitney explained why he thinks all five will make an impact – starting with defenders Edwards and McCarthy.
The Walsall manager said: "I have analysed all the players to find their weaknesses and there hasn't been many.
"Joe Edwards is someone I've looked at to try and work on his weaknesses, but there wasn't one.
"As soon as I knew he was available, I went for him. He is a leader. He is a captain and a really good, sound kid.
"Jason McCarthy is one that has been with my best friend Gareth (Ainsworth) at Wycombe so that was a difficult phone call to make.
"I had to let him know I was taking one of his main players. But he was happy for Jason because Southampton wanted him to progress. I can see a bit of me in him.
"He is technically better than I ever was. But his will to win is infectious. He will be a big, big plus."
On central midfielders Dobson and Cuvelier, Whitney said: "George is going to come into the team and I think Adam Chambers is a great role model for him.
"I have buddied them up. If he can get Adam's discipline and professionalism into his game, with the technical ability he has got he will be a special, special player.
"Flo is a character, full of potential but he hasn't played enough games. He is a really interesting prospect for me.
"If I can get him fit he will be well sought after. We have done really well to get him."
Whitney added creative schemer Oztumer is a player he has admired for while.
He added: "Erhun we know all about. He has always been a thorn in our side. He is very difficult to mark. He drops the shoulder and is very fluid.
"He retains the ball better than any other player in the division. That is very important for us. We need players who can look after the ball, create chances and score goals."
