Jon Whitney backs Walsall statement over club transfer policy

In an announcement made yesterday, the Saddlers hierarchy confirmed the playing budget has been increased from last season.

It was also revealed Whitney still has funds available should he choose to further strengthen his squad in the current transfer window.

Walsall officials choose to speak out in response to questions posed by the Walsall Football Supporters Trust.

The organisation asked for clarity amid supporter fears Whitney did not have the money required to sign a new striker this summer.

Walsall’s accepted policy over the past few years has been to reinvest 50 per cent of any transfer fee received into the team. The other 50 per cent has been spent on improving the club’s infrastructure.

But speculation Whitney was not able to afford a new forward sparked a backlash from fans who have seen Tom Bradshaw, Rico Henry and Andreas Makris all depart the club for significant sums in the past 12 months.

That issue was clarified in the statement which confirmed 50 per cent of any money the club received from transfer fees and success in cup competitions is still reinvested in the team.

And Whitney believes it was important fans were given an update on the club’s transfer policy.

“I actually helped put the statement together,” the boss said.

“ Nothing is ever done on a whim at this football club. And nothing is ever done individually, it’s done on a collective.

“We have known for a long time, myself and the directors, that we needed to get something out.

“I think it is key moving forward. We have got the open day on Monday and the fans forum as well.

“We just wanted to make it clear where we are as a club and where we are going moving forward over the next few months and years.”

With funds available, Whitney is on the lookout for a new striker.

“I am still looking to recruit in the window and it’s still open until the end of August,” he added.

“We are speaking to players, a striker is the priority and hopefully we can get the right person in.”