Despite his problems for the first day of the season, with the suspension of Westwood and Roper, Richard Money is determined not to repeat one of Merson’s huge mistakes from last year.

He has told the Evening Mail that he is determined to ensure that he “keeps his powder dry” as far as loan signings are concerned, unlike the position we found ourselves in last year at times.

While he says that he is willing to use the loan system if it proves necessary, it should not be the norm for the club.

“What I want to do here is build a squad of 20 outfielders and two goalkeepers,” said Money, “all capable of playing in the first team and all with the cohesion and understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

Sometimes with loan players that’s difficult so it’s not a road we are going down at the moment.
Loan signings can be effective, especially if they come for a longer spell, but now is not the time for us. It’s something we will look at if the need arises.”

There is the possibility of another permanent signing in the meantime, however:

“There might be someone else coming in,” he said. “I’m very pleased with the signings we have made so far but the chairman was hurt by what happened last season and I think, if I believe I can get a player who will really improve us, he will find the money.”

The Saddlers face three more friendlies this week in their attempt to finalise teram and tactics for the season - at Carmarthen tonight, Worcester on Thursday and Stafford on Saturday.