In January, Leigh Pomlett made comments about Walsall’s plan to bring in loan players with a view to sign them long-term if they impress. With Jayden Reid back with Birmingham, Frank Vincent today returning to Bournemouth, and Osei Yaw barely featuring, it leaves Tyreik Wright, and Max Melbourne.
Wright
The question with Wright, is would Villa send him back? Wright has notched up 3 assists in his time with the Saddlers, and he has been one of only a few players that has looked bright in attack. The issue has been that he is in a side that is struggling going forward, and therefore, he hasn’t been as effective as he could be. There is no doubting his ability, and given this is his first outing in men’s football, he has held himself extremely well.
This takes us back to the original point about whether he would be allowed to return to League Two. The answer is probably not. He has shown in this spell that he could handle himself at a higher division, and no doubt Villa will be looking at progressing his experience up the tiers. He has managed to perform well in a poor side, imagine what he could do in a free flowing attack.
I think all fans, and the club, would like to sign Wright back on loan for a full season, but it may not be down to them.
Melbourne
It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Max, who scored on his debut. He has looked bright down the left hand side, and his has largely been a steady player. The big thing for Melbourne has been the tinkering between playing in a back four, or back five. He has not been as good in a wing-back role, but then again, neither have the team.
Then comes the concussion. Everyone was concerned hearing that Melbourne was unable to play properly due to ongoing problems after suffering with concussion whilst at his parent club Lincoln. This issue has since been sorted, with Melbourne playing the full 90 minutes in the last six games. The club have worked with him, and helped him through the difficult spell, and that may help him make a decision to return.
It is public knowledge that Pomlett has already told Melbourne that if he performs, then there is a contract waiting for him at the end of the season. Melbourne has been open about this, and that since joining the club, he has been happy. He has made up part of the defence that looked solid, but then he also has also been part of the defence when it has underperformed.
Overall, Melbourne is a steady player, who would be a positive signing. He still has work to do, but he has shown enough to warrant a contract.
