Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the club's official website to discuss today's new deal the Saddlers and Paul Downing, and has insisted that despite missing the final six games of the season, Paul remains an important player at the club.
Speaking to Saddlers.co.uk, “I’m really pleased that Paul has signed up for next season. He’s been a developing player who is getting better and better.
“Although he wasn’t involved in the final six or seven games of the season, he did well earlier in the campaign.
“Hopefully next year will be a season where he really stands out for us because he has all the attributes to do that.
“Despite his age, he is one of our more experienced heads in the squad and has over 120 games under his belt for us. He will be the first to admit that he is still learning the game, but he has the desire to improve and better himself.
“I know that he was keen to stay here and get the deal sorted quickly, so it’s always nice to get things like this done early.
“Paul is an important part of the group here; he’s a good professional and a pleasure to work with.”