Walsall retain and release list 'potentially' coming next week

A vote on the curtailment of the season is expected next week if all EFL clubs come to an agreement on the changes to the governing body regulations surrounding ending a season early.

Clarke has revealed that he has delayed announcing which players will stay with the club and which will leave due to a lack of clarity on the current season, but he's suggested that it may now come next week.

"This season has been totally different and I've been delaying it for a couple of reasons," he said.

"The season hasn't been officially curtailed. I know there's been a few clubs that have let their players know and have made the early decisions.

"Finances play a massive part and until you get clarity on a few issues, I was never going to do it too early.

"I imagine that it will be coming out in the middle of next week maybe, potentially, and as soon as we get clarity from the EFL that we have definitely curtailed the season.

"As well, having an understanding of when next season is going to start, that's why there's been a delay in that process. My players will be first ones to know and then we'll get it out in the public."

Meanwhile, Clarke has insisted the club is in a 'healthy position' for the 2020/21 season and although he has admitted that it will not be a busy transfer window for the Saddlers, he is determined to add 'quality' to his side.

"It will be ever changing, depending on how the finances work out and when we can be playing in front of crowds," he added.

"There will be a big wake-up call at a lot of football clubs and I think we're in quite a fortunate position where we have still quite a few of contracted players for next season and we have some good young talent that I think will grow.

"We're certainly not going to be having a big transfer window, there won't be too many players coming in to the club and we'll be working a lot with what we've got, which is fine, no problem at all, I'm pleased with what we've got.

"We'll had a bit of quality towards that.

"Regarding how the wages will look, it's anyone's guess, so as a manager you're biding your time but we're doing it in quite a healthy position."