Dean Keates' Walsall scouting plan impressing Ray Graydon

The Saddlers have operated without an official team of scouts in recent years, something Keates wants to address.

Last week it was revealed the boss has appointed Gary Jenkins to the role of chief scout.

He has also been offered the support of a number of former players. And Graydon believes it’s a shrewd move.

“It’s a very sensible move and something I welcome,” the 70-year-old said.

“Dean Keates is busy. He has to do everything. He is both a manager and a coach.

“It’s tough and I remember when I was in charge I was flying around the country and getting back at 1am so I could look at a player.

“You can only do so much so you need a network of people you can trust to make recommendations. Then the final decision has to be yours. With Dean it will be.”

Graydon twice won promotion with Walsall into the Championship – with the Saddlers tasting success in 1999 and 2001.

And he revealed he took a host of players on trial before each of those campaigns – something he’d be happy to see Keates do this summer.

“Taking a player on trial isn’t always an option but it’s something I liked to,” Graydon continued. “Walsall haven’t got millions to spend on a player so you are looking for that guy who can come in really and buy into what the team is about.

“I liked to look at players in training for two or three weeks and really get to know them.

“It was particularly important when you had players coming in from abroad.

“With Jorge Leitão, we took him to Scotland, and he was so good I took him off after 45 minutes because I didn’t want anyone else to see him.

“But others it takes more time.

“I remember I wanted to sign someone from Bristol Rovers. He had been one of their best players.

“But he was a pain. He was never going to fit into what I wanted. He would have been disruptive.

“So we moved on. Bringing a few in on trial is a good option for Dean.”

Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed they will play Stoke in a pre-season friendly on July 14.

The game will take place at the Banks’s Stadium and kick off at 3pm.