Biancalani to return to Nancy

The French midfielder spent the past season at The Bescot Stadium but was unable to establish himself as a permanent fixture in The Saddlers` line-up.

Saddlers boss Colin Lee released the 27-year-old last week and Biancalani is expected to sign a three-year deal with Nancy.

But despite his delight at returning to his homeland, Biancalani revealed he felt isolated at Walsall.

"I was not like Abdeslam Ouaddou (Fulham) or Sebastien Schemmel (West Ham) who, in London, had the means of meeting other compatriots," said Biancalani.

"Me, I lived in the countryside and I was the only Frenchman in the team which was perhaps to my disadvantage.

"It was necessary to adapt to the language and perhaps, in this moment, the English do not go out on a limb towards you."

Biancalani spurned offers from Hibernian and Preston North End to join Walsall last summer after deciding to leave Nancy.

He admits he did not envisage returning to his boyhood club so soon after departing but the change of coach has prompted his decision.

The midfield man did not enjoy the healthiest working relationship with former boss Francis Smerecki but with Moussa Bezaz now at the helm Biancalani was happy to head home.

"Walsall was a hitch but merely a stop on a long straight line regarding Nancy," added Biancalani.

"Today, one erases everything, and starts again without any resentment. It was the choice of Smerecki that I left but that is in the past and it is useless to return there.

"On the other hand, if I had known that I would return one year later I would not have put my house up for sale.

"It is 15 years since I first signed with Nancy. It is difficult to forget. It is my club, quite simply."