FORMER Forest Green target Gavin Caines is set to return to Walsall.

The 25-year-old defender almost joined Blue Square Premier club Forest Green on loan in October, but decided to remain at Cheltenham Town and fight for a place, despite being transfer listed. Caines was released by Town boss Martin Allen this week.

"No disrespect to Forest Green, but I thought I could play at a higher level," Caines said. "I wanted to stay in the League and thought I was better than that.