Matt Preston departs as Jon Whitney targets Walsall win

The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at the Banks's Stadium and went on to make 41 appearances for the club after turning professional in 2013.

A statement released by Walsall said out-of-contract Preston rejected a new two-year-deal at the end of last season.

And while talks have continued no agreement has been reached.

That contradicts comments from boss Jon Whitney who had stressed his desire to keep Preston at club.

Speaking in July, Whitney said: "Matty wants to stay and we want to keep him. He is one we can really work with. There are areas to improve but he has got lots of strengths as well."

Meanwhile, Whitney is hoping an electric atmosphere at Portsmouth will inspire Walsall to victory .

“It’s usually a really good atmosphere down there,” the boss said.

“We have spoken about how we can use it for our benefit.

“They’ve one of the favourites. They’re one of the big hitters, but we’ve got the ability to go and upset them.”

Whitney revealed he is particularly looking forward to locking horns with Jackett, who he got to know well while the 55-year-old was in charge of Wolves.

“I’ve got the utmost respect for Kenny Jackett,” the boss continued.

“He wants energy and work-ethic, players to commit in the final third and his defenders to be resolute and to be defenders first and foremost

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