Jon Whitney delighted with Walsall business so far

The Saddlers have enjoyed a busy fortnight in the transfer market with Mark Gillespie, Luke Leahy, Jon Guthrie and Nicky Devlin all joining on two-year deals.

All those players are aged 25 or under with Devlin the youngest recruit at 23 despite previously skippering former club Ayr United.

And Whitney believes all his new arrivals will make a big impact at the Banks's Stadium.

"We are really happy with the signings we have made so far and excited by what they will bring to the group," the boss said.

"For me, we have done some great business as a club.

"They are all a similar age. They are all around 24 or 25. And they have all been really popular at their previous clubs.

"Age was really important for us. Of course, for any club to be successful, you need players who have experience.

"But we wanted to sign players with a great deal of potential and who have their best years ahead of them. That is what we have with these players.

"We wanted these players because they fit the philosophy of the club, they are hungry players who want to improve."

Whitney says when you sign younger players it's essential they have the work ethic and desire to get better.

"When I look at a player, there are certain criteria we look for," the boss continued.

"For me, they have to have the right work ethic and they have to be coachable players.

"All our signings so far tie into that philosophy. They tie into what we want to do on and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, Whitney revealed he is running the rule over a trialist who he has invited to take part in pre-season training.

"We've only got one trialist with us." the 46-year-old added.

"I don’t want to have too many trialists at one time. I think the maximum I would ever have is three.

"We will only bring in people who we believe deserve the chance of staking a claim for a longer contract."