Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the local press as he continues his preparations for the 2015/16 Sky Bet League 1 campaign, and has insisted that attacking midfielder James Baxendale remains part of his plans for the coming season.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said; "Of course he is, he is still contracted to us. We both talked about it, he is disappointed with how the season has gone in that he did not play as many games – I think it is the lowest number of games he has played since he has been here.
“One thing I have always said about him is he is a great lad and sometimes I actually think he tries too hard. When you try too hard you can end up not thinking about the game as much as you can do. He will come back for pre-season and hopefully we get the old James Baxendale back, which we had only glimpses of last season. That needs to be more consistent.
“I feel the staff of players we have now is of a higher quality than it was two years ago. With that, you have got to compete more with better players to get into the starting line-up. If you are not starting as much it affects your confidence. You have to prove you are better than those you are competing with.”