Express & Star

Michael Oakes keen to work with Walsall's Liam Roberts

Walsall's Michael Oakes admits he is looking forward to working with Liam Roberts – after receiving a number of glowing reports about the goalkeeper.

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The 44-year-old former Wolves and Villa glovesman was appointed the Saddlers goalkeeping coach last month after leaving Wrexham.

Oakes' move to the Banks's Stadium has seen him reunited with boss Dean Keates and assistant Andy Davies – with the three men instrumental in helping the Welsh side register a club record amount of clean sheets last season.

And Oakes is now hoping he can help Walsall be as defensively sound, whilst also developing Roberts who enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last season.

"I've had nothing but good reports on Liam," the coach said.

"He’s still relatively young in goalkeeping terms and I’m very much looking forward to working with him, and hopefully developing him.

"It’s always nice to take on new people and it’s a good challenge to try to bring him on.

"Hopefully we can have a team that is strong defensively and I can play a part in that and pass on my experience."

Following the departure of Mark Gillespie, Oakes will work alongside Keates this summer as Walsall look to bring in a keeper to provide competition for Roberts.

And the coach said whoever comes in will have to be a well-rounded shot-stopper.

"Goalkeepers in every league now, going right down, are pretty strong," Oakes continued.

"You’re looking for the all-round goalkeeper – one that can kick it, save it, communicate and be good with their feet.

"We all have weaknesses and things that we can improve on – no matter who you are, at whatever level.

"Hopefully we can improve in all areas and they can enjoy their football and enjoy working with myself.

"I very much see it as like a team with the goalkeepers – we all help each other.

"I want it to be enjoyable but it’s obviously serious stuff.

"I want to see goalies with a smile on their face, performing well, working at their maximum and giving 100 per cent.

"I’m sure we'll all then reap our rewards."