Paul Merson today admitted he is browsing the market for new signings to help get Walsall's erratic season on a more stable course.
Merson has checked out a number of potential recruits including former Villa trainee right-back Jon Bewers who turned out for the Saddlers' reserves at Rotherham last night.
The area of concern - 16 goals conceded in seven games - is obvious and it's an area occupying most of Merson's thoughts in the approach to the home game with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Those thoughts revolve around both how to get the best from with his existing squad and making possible additions to it.
"I'm having a look around," Merson said. "We've got our eye on one or two options although I don't think anything will happen before Saturday.
"I have got a little bit of scope to bring someone in and it's something I've got to consider.
"We've got the worst defensive record in the country and that has to change. I'm a great believer that if you keep on doing things the same way you get the same results so you have to make changes."
How the Saddlers' back-four lines up on Saturday Merson is still to decide. Ian Roper is available again after suspension, although his form prior to his two-match ban hardly demands automatic inclusion.
An internal practice match at The Delves to test out one or two defensive options this week had mixed results - it finished 4-3 - but Merson is determined to tighten things up both at the back specifically and in the team as a whole.
Mark Kinsella will return to the starting XI on Saturday after two games on the bench while the likes of Ryan Willetts and Kofi Dakenah come into contention at the back.
* Walsall have slashed admission prices for their LDV Vans Trophy first-round tussle with Rushden & Diamonds at Bescot on September 28. Admission will be just £5 and £3.
