Walsall Football Club have announced that first team Manager, Dean Smith, has penned a new twelve-month extension to his current contract deal that will take him through to the end of the 2015-2016 season.Smith was appointed in January 2011, following the departure of Chris Hutchings and Martin O'Connor.
Since his appointment the club have begun long-term project, with the onus on the adoption and implementation of a ‘football philosophy’ that is centered around a fluid, passing style of play, hard work and the development of local, emerging talent.
Smith told Saddlers.co.uk; "I'm pleased to extend my contract. I said from the very start that this was always going to be a long-term project and we’re still in the early stages of that, but things are certainly progressing well. I want to continue building for the future of this club and whilst I am offering the players longer term deals, it gives it more credence if I have the same.
"This club is known for trying to do things the correct way and we are investing in the infrastructure of the club to make it a more forward-thinking place with solid foundations.
“It’s not just Saturday to Saturday, or even season to season, this is a long-term plan and I am pleased to be leading the club in the direction that we want to go. It also allows me to sit down with Richard O’Kelly, who has been a big part of what we are trying to achieve here, and put plans in place to secure his future with the club."