Walsall's James Wilson looking for a Saddlers surprise

The 28-year-old centre-back, who has joined on a season-long loan from Sheffield United, believes the division is now a tougher proposition than it was last season following the relegation of Blackburn and Wigan from the Championship and the promotion of Plymouth and Portsmouth from League Two.

But he sees no reason why the Saddlers can’t be competitive against their big-spending rivals.

“I think the teams who have come up and the teams who have come down are all strong League One teams, put it that way,” he said.

“In terms of stadiums we are going to be going to, in terms of money being spent, I think it is more than last year, so it is going to be tough.

“But every season someone surprises people so why can’t it be us?”

Wilson played just seven league games for the Blades last season as they won the division at a canter.

But Chris Wilder’s team found it tough against the Saddlers, losing all three meetings with Jon Whitney’s men during the campaign.

Wilson added: “Every time you come here you know you are going to be in for a tough game. Walsall always try to play really good, energetic football. I think that’s what the manager is trying to get across. I think that’s what we’ve got to do this season – get people not wanting to come here.”

He continued:“The (Blades) manager wasn’t happy with Walsall last season, let’s put it that way!

“It’s that kind of team that you don’t like playing against, a team that keeps going and keeps going. And if we can keep that sort of mentality, I think we can be up there.”