Manny Smith Linked With a Surprise Return to the Saddlers

Media reports are linking Walsall with a surprise move for former Saddlers defender Manny Smith, who currently plays for Dean Keates' former side, Wrexham.

Birmingham-born Smith, a product of the Saddlers' youth system, rose through the ranks and turned professional with the club in 2006, going on to make over one-hundred and thirty appearances over the next six seasons.

The 29-year-old, who enjoyed a brief loan spell with Halesowen Town during his time at the Banks's, turned down fresh terms with the club and joined Notts County in the summer of 2012, going on to make just over thirty appearances over the next two campaigns.

After leaving the Magpies Manny then joined National league side Wrexham, signing an initial one-year deal after an impressive trial spell. He made over sixty first-team appearances during his first season with the club entering displays which not only won him a new deal but also saw him named Player of the Season.

After another National league campaign, where he made forty-seven further appearances, Manny was released by the Dragons and subsequently joined Gateshead on a two-year deal. However his time with the North East side only lasted one year and he soon agreed to a contract termination in order to return to North Wales.

Manny, who is entering the final year of his contract, has made almost fifty further appearances for Wrexham and is said to be attracting interest not only from the Saddlers but League Two side Cheltenham Town too.

Saddlers officials rarely comment on transfer speculation, so we're not likely to learn much about any potential deal until all paperwork is submitted to the league, however it may be wise to take this with a pinch of salt, at least for the time being.