Project refresh – The released

Yesterday, it was announced that a large portion of the squad were not having contracts offered to them. It is what was needed, and marks a big part of what Leigh Pomlett has called ‘Project Refresh’.

Defence

Walsall have released three defenders, which was not a big surprise, however one of the three was. Clarke, Cockerill-Mollett and Norman were the defensive players to go. James Clarke is the one that has raised eyebrows the most. Clarke has had a fairly good season, and since his return from injury, had performed well, and brought a bit of gamesmanship to the team. His tactical nous is something the defence has lacked, and it was a surprise to see him included in those released.

Cameron Norman was another name fans were unhappy, but unsurprised to see. Norman had played well this season, until being dropped. He had struggled for game time, and had to settle for substitute appearances. It is unknown why he went from one of the first names on the team-sheet, to a bench warmer, but seeing him released was no surprise given the minutes he played in the second half the season.

Callum Cockerill-Mollett has had an unfortunate couple of seasons. He had started to break into the team, before another injury hit, seeing him sidelined for a few months. That was really the story of his time at the club, as he continually suffered knocks, and missed out because of it. Ultimately, he did not develop as well as the club will have hoped, and that is why he is departing.

Midfield

Along with the three players released in defence, three were let go from the midfield. It wasn’t a surprise to see Stuart Sinclair on the released list, especially as he had only started nine league games this season, and subbed on eight times. Although his performances weren’t bad, he didn’t offer anything particularly different to what the side has. Given his age, and how the club have focussed on blooding younger players, it was an expected, but sad departure, as Sinclair was a bit of a cult player, who fans liked.

Wes McDonald. Like Clarke, Wes has divided opinion. His mid season form of last season was never replicated, and really, since signing a new deal last January, he has not been as effective. This season, Wes has very much been a one-trick pony, who has been found out by opposition defenders. Although a new manager may have got the best out of him, there was not a lot to suggest he deserved a new deal.

Jack Nolan has had a pretty unsuccessful time at Walsall. After signing last January, he failed to break into the team before Covid halted the season. It was then reported that he came back after the summer overweight, and once again, was struggling to get any game time. When he did get a run of games in the league, he impressed, but was quickly back to the bench, or not in the squad at all. Then came the twitter issue. Nolan was caught liking tweets that were about him, and how he should be playing games. He did not recover from this, and despite promise being shown, there have been too many incidents for the youngster to get over.

Attack

Both Gordon and Lavery have been released, meaning Walsall are without any strikers, although this is not necessarily a bad thing. Lavery joined with a track record in the EFL, and at a higher level. However, in his two seasons, he has only amassed 10 league goals in 68 appearances. It simply isn’t good enough. Lavery put in a lot of effort, but gave very little outcome, and many will have expected him to be on the released list.

Josh Gordon is tough to say goodbye too. He ended last season as the player of the year, however since his injury, he has not looked the same player. In truth, he had half a very good season in his three at the club, and like Lavery, it wasn’t good enough. He leaves us with 27 goals in 123 appearances, and despite his work rate, strikers are judged on goals, and Josh did not score enough.

Releasing both leaves the side needing a big recruitment drive in attack, however one where Walsall surely can improve on what was there before. Between the two, they have 11 league goals, and surely there will be players who can score that by themselves. It is up to Fullarton to find them, and get them through the door.