Andy Butler: Walsall are on the right track

The 36-year-old free agent, who played in League Two for Scunthorpe last season, spent four years with the Saddlers and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

After a 12-year stint in League One, Walsall were relegated at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Last season, the club had a mixed start to life in League Two but Butler believes the fans have reason to be optimistic as they chase promotion this year.

“I didn’t play in the game when Scunthorpe played at Walsall last season because I was injured, but I did go and watch – when their centre-half scored an overhead bicycle kick,” he said. “Both sides were in bad form at that stage, but it takes time for managers to build their philosophy and what they want to do.

“I’m sure Darrell (Clarke) has his ideas of what he wants to do and where he wants to go with the team. I still speak to Mat Sadler and he has nothing but praise for the manager. Walsall started climbing towards the end of the season and although the season is over now they can look to progress next season.

“Walsall are a big club in League Two.

“I’ve read the chairman’s statements and I think he’s really good and really positive.

“I still speak to Dan Mole a lot, too, and I think the club is all pointing in the right direction for promotion. Get everything right on and off the pitch, which I think they will, and everything will go in the right direction.”