Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the local press ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League 1 clash with Oldham Athletic, and has offered another brief update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the club and Paul Downing.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith, who also discussed his decision to drop Dowining to the bench, said; “It was just time for him to come out of the firing line in the last month. But he has done really well and will be a big player for us in the future.
“I have been speaking to both Kieron (Morris) and Paul over the last few weeks. I’m just waiting for Paul to come back to me but I’m confident something will be done, if not by the end of this week than by early next week.”