Released & Retained

Yes, I know that I am late on this ball but, finally I got around to write this article.

In June every year, we are eager to find out who will leave and who will get an offer for another season at the club. Every decision the manager does is looked on in detail by the fans. Some will agree with the gaffers decisions and, some will disagree. The gaffer should know best though since he has a vision and a plan for next season. He has identified what type of player he has to add with to push on for promotion.
This year I can say that I agree with the manager’s decision except on one point and that is the release of Kory Roberts who I think had potential but have been unlucky with a broken leg during the 2019 pre-season.

Let’s go through the list of players that have left the club.

Shay Facey
Came to the club with a good reputation but didn’t get the breakthrough that I had hoped he would. I fully understand the release of Facey when we already have Cameron Norman at the club and contracted for the next season.

James Hardy
Had a few spells where he showed what he could do but in my opinion a bit too much inconsistent. I stand behind this decision from Clarke as well.

Gary Liddle
I must say this was the most disappointing signing last season. Gary came to the club with a high reputation. When the news of him signing for Walsall many thought it would be the signing of the season. Showed early on that he was past his best days and eventually went out on loan.

Mitch Candlin
I’m a bit disappointed by Mitch. A few years ago he had great potential but somewhere down the line the transition from youth football to senior football was maybe a step too far. I hope he gets snapped up by another club and he can start progressing again. Maybe a stabile League Two striker in the future. A few years ago this was a player I thought the team would be built around in coming years. With many striking options to choose from next season, I must agree with Clarke letting him go.

Kory Roberts
Here is where I disagree with the manager decision. During the 2018-19 season, we saw glimpses of Roberts talents and 2019-20 was the year he would be among those getting a first-team place. A broken leg in the 2019 pre-season meant he would miss most of the season and when he came back in full fitness the season was postponed due to Covid-19. It was an unlucky season for Roberts and, I wish him all the best in the future.
If he ends up at a club that can develop him further, I don’t see why he won’t end up in League One or even higher.

Jack Rose, Cameron Pring, Rory Holden and Nathan Sheron has gone back to their parent clubs since their loans ended.

I wish to say thank you for your effort at Walsall FC and, I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of you.

The club has activated the one-year extension clause in the contract of Alfie Bates, Elijah Adebayo and Mat Sadler.
Sadler will feature in the coaching team next season while he will also be available for selection.

Clarke has offered new Contract to Danny Guthrie, Callum Cockerill-Mollett and Tom Leak. No information has surfaced yet about them accepting their offers.

In Sam Perry and Joe Willis, we probably find two happy players who both have signed their first professional contracts. Two highly promising players that got a few chances last season. I look forward to following their progress in the coming season.

Following players are already under contract for the upcoming season:
Liam Roberts, Cameron Norman, Dan Scarr, James Clarke, Zak Jules, Jack Nolan, Stuart Sinclair, Liam Kinsella, Wes McDonald, Caolan Lavery and Josh Gordon.