Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the local press to discuss the contract status of vice-captain Paul Downing, insisting that a one-year deal was a mutual decision.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said; “We both felt that would be best for him. He will be 24 next summer so it does have an impact in terms of his Bosman status. Obviously, if things are going well, we will look to extend it.
“It is very easy to forget how well he has done. He had some very good performances, particularly the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Area Final. He has been a very good player for us and we were very pleased to get the deal done.”