Jon Guthrie: Walsall fear no-one

The Saddlers have a tough looking start to the 2017/18 campaign with an opening day trip to Bury followed by games against Oldham, Portsmouth and Bradford.

League One has also been boosted by the arrivals of Blackburn, Wigan and Rotherham following their relegation from the Championship.

But Guthrie says Walsall are good enough to compete with the division’s heavyweights.

“It’s a tough league, especially looking at the teams coming down and up,” Guthrie said.

“But we’ve got no doubt we can compete with every team in the league.

“We’ll be looking to have a good start to the season and you never know where it can take you after that.”

Guthrie signed a two-year deal at the Banks’s Stadium last month despite interest from other clubs in League One.

And the defender said it was boss Jon Whitney who sold him the club.

“I heard from the gaffer a couple of months ago and he said early that he wanted to bring me in – that was nice to hear,” he said.

“I came to the training ground, saw the facilities and learned more about the club.

“I knew from playing against them the style they play, they like to play football and are well respected.

“I thought it would be the best fit for me.”

As a ball-playing centre-back, Guthrie said Walsall’s style of play was key to the move.

“I like to think of myself as quite a calm defender,” said the defender who made more than 120 appearances for Crewe.

“I’m comfortable on the ball and like to play out from the back.

“I genuinely just enjoy defending and I like the hard side of it as well, so hopefully the fans will like me.

“The gaffer said how he wanted to play and it seemed to fit me well.

“Being the player I am, Walsall just seemed the best fit for me.