Dean Smith still hungry for more signings
Walsall boss Dean Smith has promised more signings as he continues to shape his squad in preparation for next season.
The Saddlers supremo boosted his ranks last week by snapping up Philippines international keeper Neil Etheridge and Cypriot right-back Jason Demetriou.
Smith has always insisted this summer would be more evolution than revolution as he looks to tinker with his squad in preparation for a promotion push.
But with defender James Chambers stalling on a new deal as he debates hanging up his boots, the boss now expects to make three more signings.
"I always felt four or five but it's looking likely it will be five," he said.
"That could be James signing a new deal or it could be that I bring in another centre-back.
"I don't really want to put a number on it because, even when I get players in, I'm continuing to assess the squad. We always want to continually evolve and get better.
"I think the two players we have added so far will improve us and hopefully the other ones that come in with improve us even further."
Smith has high hopes for new goalkeeper Etheridge, who he first became aware of as he came through the youth ranks at Fulham.
Etheridge, who has played 44 times for the Philippines, worked closely with Mark Schwarzer while at Craven Cottage.
And Smith believes he has signed a hugely promising shot-stopper.
"We looked at a lot of goalkeepers and we got it down to three really good candidates," he said.
"They all ticked the boxes but Neil came out on top in terms of potential development and just how good he could turn out to be.
"I was aware of him at Fulham where he developed under the tutelage of Schwarzer."
