Dean Keates Confident of Adding to His Squad Ahead of Loan Deadline

Walsall manager Dean Keates has spoken to the local press and revealed that he is confident of adding at least one new recruit to his squad ahead of Friday evening's Loan Window deadline.

Keates, who has already added strength to several positions on the pitch, including a brand new attacking line in the shape of Andy Cook, Morgan Ferrier, Josh Ginnelly, and Zeli Ismail, is believed to be keen to add to his defence, with numbers still very short.

Dean, who was speaking via the Express & Star, said; "There will be additions to the squad. We have got a week. I’m in conversation with one and I’m hopeful that this weekend, or early next week, he’ll be one that we bring in. There may be two arrivals. I do have another possibility. But there will definitely be one. I’ve got my list of targets of people I want to add but it’s about getting the right personalities.

"There is a great togetherness in the dressing room and you don’t want to throw someone in there who is going to upset that balance. But if I can get this player, he will be a great addition to the squad and the football club."

The manager then went on to talk about the importance of recruiting the right characters, insisting that it is important to know what the players are like both on and off the pitch, he continued; "Character is the biggest thing for me. First and foremost it’s about their personality and what they are like from Monday through to Friday. I want to know how they apply themselves around the club and in the changing room.

"You have to do your due diligence, I make phone calls, I speak to people who have worked with the players. And I have spoken to players who I know and whose opinions I trust. You can do lots of little things to make sure the people you bring in have the right character for the football club."