Walsall's Dean Smith: Why I axed Craig Westcarr

The manager insists there was no falling out with the Saddlers 16-goal top scorer, who was told last week he would not be offered a new deal at the Banks's Stadium.

Speaking for the first time since the announcement, Smith said the parting of ways was amicable and insisted the decision was made for footballing reasons.

The boss is keen to strengthen in the centre-forward position, which is where Westcarr played the majority of games this season.

And he also wants to avoid stunting the growth of James Baxendale and Romaine Sawyers, who at 21 and 22 respectively are both younger than the 29-year-old Westcarr.

"We both agreed it was for the best," said Smith. "I think as a football club we have been good with Craig and he has been good with us as well.

"This season he was playing as a centre-forward but is probably better suited to linking play up just behind and we have Romaine and James in that area.

"They are up and coming players who have a lot of potential.

"Craig did really well this season but at 29, I had to ask is he going to score more goals next season?"

Westcarr first joined the Saddlers after being released by League Two Chesterfield in Janaury 2013 and following last summer's departures of Febian Brandy, Will Grigg and Jamie Paterson he became the focal point of the team's attack.

His final tally was a personal career best but the Saddlers struggled overall up front, netting just 49 times in 46 league games.

Forward partner Sawyers signed a new two year contract just before the end of the season and Westcarr voiced frustration at not being offered a new deal himself just days before his release.

"There was no falling out between me and Craig, everything was amicable," added Smith.

"I think I can maybe go and get better next year and I believe Craig feels he can go and play higher as well.

"It was a case of 'thank you very much, we have both been good for each other'.

"Now it's up to us to go and find the player to replace him."