Walsall, currently placed third in League Two with 19 points in 9 games, are looking very promising to gain their deserved promotion to League One. However, the huge question in their pathway to promotion is: Can they prevent the same drop-off as last season?
How Are Walsall Getting On This Season?
In their opening game of the season, they managed to secure a last-minute victory over Swindon Town on home soil defeating them 2-1 with Connor Barrett scoring in the 91st minute to give Walsall a perfect start to the season. However in their next game they were handed their first loss against a difficult Gillingham side at the Priestfield Stadium in the 58th minute thanks to Bradley Dack. After a 1-2 away victory against newly promoted side Barnet FC, they next faced a challenging side Grimsby Town at home where they were defeated 0-1 in a tight affair.
Despite their two losses in four, it was clear that their new signings were managing to repeat their previous quality repeating at the beginning of last season where they were in a similar situation after managing to beat Salford and MK Dons 1-0 in their next two league games. It was clear that they were beginning to start a winning streak with performances improving and players gelling together. Making it 5 wins in their 6 recent games, they defeated Shrewsbury Town, promotion challengers Chesterfield and also triumphed in their most recent battle against Tranmere Rovers 4-2. From where they are now, they are on 19 points out of 9 games and are looking very promising
Transfer Window – Redemption Time
After dealing with their difficulties last season including their star man Nathan Lowe being recalled back to Stoke City after shining for Walsall and bringing them up to top spot from where he left them, this proved to be their pivotal point of the season as their form later turned into turmoil as they bottled a 15 point lead and were forced to re battle in the play offs. In their play off semi final, they managed to thrash Chesterfield and earn their place in the final against AFC Wimbledon where they lost out 0-1 in the Final and saw themselves back in League Two.
Therefore, without Nathan Lowe, their main piece in the final third went and they could no longer hold onto their spectacular form where they have now learnt not to rely on loanees this season
Firstly, they have sent out 6 players on loan, including Josh Gordon heading to League Two rivals Barrow, and Levi Amantchi heading to National League outfit Rochdale for a season-long loan
Replacing their players sent out on loan, they have also brought 7 loans in to strengthen their squad and bring in a few youngsters who can shine for their squad, especially Jid Okeke from Stockport County and Ryan Finnigan from Blackpool. Additionally, Myles Roberts decided to join the Saddlers and earn his spot in between the sticks and the Saddlers also finalised a deal with previous league rivals Port Vale to sign a very promising attacking midfielder Rico Richards who signed a permanent deal with the Valiants earlier on in the season
To avoid repeating their previous struggles like last season, they managed to permanently gain the signatures of promising players who have the ability to take Walsall into League One. Firstly, they signed 22-year-old Harrison Burke from Chester, and also experienced leader Aiden Flint from Mansfield Town to strengthen their back line which has proved to work out this season conceding only 7 goals this season so far in all competitions.
Additionally, loan signing Myles Roberts has also shown his quality on the side this season as he has helped keep the ball out of the net this season with some excellent pieces of quality and has led his back line into a strong unit
Signing Ryan Finnigan on loan from Blackpool, this has helped them to gain a great level of depth in the midfield area and to challenge for the starter spot in central midfield. Walsall have also managed to bring in different styles of players for the midfield area such as; Mason Hancock from Airdrieonians, Courtney Clarke from Eastbourne and Lewis Warrington from Leyton Orient.
Adding an exciting level of threat, they have brought in Vincent Harper from Exeter City to spark some excitement on the left flank. Walsall also got the deal over the line for Jake Hollman signing from MacArthur to attempt to challenge for the central attacking role who also has a huge challenge with Rico Richards who is also looking to prove his quality and earn himself a spot into the side to try and gain Walsall their promotion
Finally, they have ensured that they have had the correct options in the final third with the signings of Aaron Pressley from Stevenage, Daniel Kanu on loan from Charlton Athletic on loan who has brought in a great level of quality in the side where he has been consistently finding the net, and also being able to maintain their experienced forward options of the bench which are Jamille Matt and Albert Adomah who can both cause havoc and be excellent threats off the bench for the side
The Impacts of the New Signings
From losing some of their main players who had a vital role in last season, such as; Ryan Stirk heading to league rivals Chesterfield, Taylor Allen joining league one contenders Wycombe Wanderers, David Okagbue signing for Peterborough United, and Liam Gordon also heading to a League One outfit Port Vale on a permanent deal, they have had a huge job on their hands to replace their quality lost in vital areas of the field, and you could say that Walsall have replied to this huge challenge with some excellent decisions which has proved to be quite the statement so far this season with their new signings making instant impacts
From tightening the back line by mixing youngsters Harrison Burke and Evan Weir with veteran Aiden Flint, this has also proved to be an excellent decision from manager Mat Sadler as he has led the back line to concede a low amount of goals so far in their season
Additionally, the level of excitement has been maintained so far this season from their new signings in the final third, such as Aaron Pressley being a perfect duo alongside Daniel Kanu who are both finding the net consistently in front of goal
From providing service, the new signings in midfield including Vincent Harper and Ryan Finnigan have managed to have a huge impact on being able to take responsibility in their midfield area this season
How Can Walsall Prevent Last Season’s Dip In Form?
The man at the helm Mat Sadler who had his stint with Walsall last season has suffered with all of the shocking drop in form and the biggest shock in the EFL last season as he wasn’t able to bring the side into League One with a 15-point lead from last season, as he will most certainly be looking to finish the job this season. In order to get promoted this season and prevent a previous drop in form, I believe that fans need to keep their faith in Sadler this season and give him another chance to get them over the line as his tactics and constant formation seem to be working so far with his new players
Bringing in his new quality players, this has also seemed to gain more momentum and trust in the club as fans have viewed the manager to replace the lost quality this season with improved players who will be looking to get the job done this season, therefore this gives Mat Sadler the perfect opportunity to gain trust and confidence to bring the side into League One this season
Finally, Walsall need to ensure that they don’t lose any of their quality players who are shining this season as the aim would be to keep hold of their crucial loans and permanent players who have been brought in this season
From managing to do all of this required to carry on their excellent form, the question everyone is asking; Can they finally get that promotion to League One?
