This week, the list of players that will be retained and released by the club was announced. It was the clear-out that was needed, with only a handful of players being offered new deals, or having options exercised.
New deals
Defenders Dan Scarr and Hayden White were the only two players to be offered a new deal. Both have had mixed seasons, however they were part of a defence that was starting to look more solid. Scarr has been at the club for two and a half years, and is experienced at this level. Many fans feel that he needs a manager who can begin to get the best out of him again. He has shown he can be a physical presence, and adds some much needed height and strength to the team. Scarr struggles with the ball at his feet, and from playing out from the back. He is a player that has shown he is good at this level, but needs to find his best again.
Hayden White has caused controversy, especially given that he had replaced Norman in the role of starting Right-Back. It is fair to say that White did not start his Walsall career well, with extremely underwhelming performances. He did improve in an extended run in the team, however question marks are still there about whether he is good enough to be the starting player in a push for a top half, or better finish. He has shown glimpses that he can be a good player for the Saddlers, but it needs to be consistent, throughout an entire game, more regularly.
Extended deals
Walsall have taken up options on Joe Willis and Tom Leak, much to the delight of Saddlers fans. Leak has shown commanding performances at both Centre-Back and Right-Back, and looks like a player destined for more first team action. Having Leak and Scarr together in defence gives Walsall a real physical presence, with a lot of aerial ability. At only 20 years old, fans will be hoping Leak can follow the likes of Bates and Perry, by living up to their potential, and earning a new deal too.
Joe Willis was starting to break into the matchday squad, and like Leak, deserves the chance to continue his development. He may find game time hard to come by, especially given that Walsall have talented players in the middle of the park. Willis hasn’t had the minutes to really show what he can do, but he is a player that is worth keeping, given the way that the younger players have been progressing of late.
Other deals
Mat Sadler is also continuing in a player/coach role, which is good news all round. Sadler has played well in defence, especially given the quickfire nature of games. He made 22 consecutive starts in the second half of the season, which is testament to his professionalism and fitness. He will provide back-up, or even competition to whoever else is brought in at the back, as well as Leak and Scarr, as well as being able to guide them off the pitch. Carrying on as a coach is also a bonus. He will get the chance to work under a new manager, and Jamie Fullarton, whilst developing his skills off the pitch, something that can only benefit the club as a whole.
Finally, Danny Coogan has been offered a short term deal, after training with the club of late. Not much is known about him, but he has a chance to impress, and earn a further deal.
