Walsall-born Keates, who is preparing for his first full season as Saddlers manager, has confirmed that Gary Jenkins - former Senior Recruitment Officer at Crewe Alexandra - is now at the club as the gaffer continues to speak to former Saddlers players as he seeks to build a scouting system capable of keeping tabs on potential new recruits.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Dean said; "The scouting network is coming along well. I have brought Gary Jenkins in as chief scout. He is local and knows what the club is about. And I’m in conversation with ex-players around the country so when I do have an interest in a player they can go and look at them. I get so many names put to me but I can’t watch all these players myself. But for me to have active people out there in this network it allows us to cover all bases.
"That is what I feel, as a club, we need to be doing. A lot of other clubs are doing it now and I think it’s vital so that we don’t miss out on players. The final decision on a player will always be mine but at least I know I have got people out there watching these players."