News

Keates Knows He Has To Bolster Defence

|

Walsall boss Dean Keates has today reaffirmed his desire to bring in defensive reinforcements with the season just eighteen days away.

The Saddlers boss has been left with just Jon Guthrie in the centre back role following the horrific injury sustained to Kory Roberts at the weekend.

Keates believes that the transfer market will now pick up following the completion of the World Cup and Keates has already identified loan signings to bolster his side.

Speaking to Express And Star Keates said

“We know it’s something we have to address. We were looking for a centre-back anyway and then we get the terrible news about Kory. We need to address it sooner rather than a later.”

“We have got one or two things out there and I think things will open up a bit more now. There are players out there who have been going to the gym and training by doing their own thing – but now everyone else has reported back. They’ll be movement on that side and with the World Cup over, a lot of the under-23 players will now be available. We have got a couple we have looked at for loans.”

The Saddlers face Aston Villa tonight in our third pre-season friendly following defeats against Rushall Olympic and Stoke City.

Some fans are already concerned on who will partner Jon Guthrie in defence this evening.

Its possible that the Saddlers boss could turn to sixteen year old Sam Livesely who has featured in pre-season already however if he wishes to go with experience then Adam Chambers and George Dobson could slot in there – not that they should as the squad should have more depth by now.

The Saddlers are back in action on Thursday evening as we face Dutch giants Ajax.

Share this article