Walsall Football Club manager Dean Smith has today backed both Sam Mantom and Paul Downing to fill the leadership void that will be left by soon-to-be departing captain Andy Butler.Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said: “I think Paul and Sam have already become leaders. I think naturally, with the amount of games they have played, that has been the case. They have been ever-presents over the last year or two and the other players around them now look to them as leaders. They have developed leadership qualities, certainly."
Smith also spoke about his confidence in Paul Downing's ability to settle with a new defensive partner, he said: “When we played against Peterborough last season Andy was suspended and both Paul and James Chambers were outstanding."
He continued; "Paul is a clever player and they complimented each other really well, because Andy would go up and head it and Paul just reads the game so well. He understands when he needs to go and head it and when he needs to step off. He is very confident on the ball.”
Source: The Express & Star.