Walsall have a big problem with the development of players at various stages.
The poor turnout in the Central League is just one of the issues that the club faces, and unfortunately, youth development takes a lot of time to see the rewards of.
So where has it all gone wrong, and is there any signs that things could be on the way up?
Poor Central League performance
The Saddlers currently sit bottom of the Central League after five games, and have registered just a solitary point, and only one goal.
This is not sitting well with the supporters, who have not been impressed with the results, and the nature of them.
Walsall have conceded 19 goals too, which in just four defeats, is a very concerning statistic.
The confidence of the players, as well as the potential of them progressing into first team prospects is coming into question.
The results are showing that this crop of players looks like another that may leave the club without breaking through.
Bubbles
Today it was revealed by Joe Edwards, that the Saddlers have not been putting first team players in reserve games to avoid mixing bubbles.
This was questioned on social media, as other clubs seem to be mixing, but on the other hand, Walsall have not suffered an outbreak like other clubs.
On top of the poor results, is the fact that younger fringe players aren’t playing either, because of the mixing of bubbles.
Therefore, the likes of Leak, Perry, Bates and a handful of others, are becoming starved of game time.
This is not helping their development either, and this is another of many concerns surrounding the squad at the moment.
Fringe players stuttering
In the current situation, Walsall’s fringe players are not progressing either. The three mentioned before, Leak, Perry and Bates, are not playing any football, either first team, or reserves.
All three seem to be in a lull, and in need of game time which they do not seem likely to get.
A prime example of this was against Stevenage, when Ash Taylor was unavailable, and instead of playing Leak, a natural centre-back, he opted to play Hayden White in the middle.
This vote of no confidence will not be doing these players any good, and once again, it comes back down to the development at the club.
These players have broken in to the first team, but are not able to push on any further, and questions are being asked as to why this is happening.
Featured Image – Walsall FC
