Wes McDonald wowed by Walsall support
Winger Wes McDonald is full of praise for Walsall fans, with his first season at the club set to end prematurely.
All 24 League Two clubs agreed they wanted to end the campaign now in a meeting last week – a decision that is still to be agreed by the EFL.
If it goes through, McDonald’s first season at the Banks’s Stadium will have been cut short with 10 games remaining, but after an impressive start to life in Walsall colours the supporters have taken to the 23-year-old quickly.
“The Walsall fans are absolutely brilliant,” he said. “They travel away in big numbers and create a great atmosphere, cheering the team on. The fans are tremendous.
“The Salford away game I really enjoyed, the fans came in their numbers and we felt at home.
“It’s always nice to come out of the tunnel and you have your fans there away from home, it’s definitely a boost.
“I’m really enjoying it at Walsall, I think it’s a great club.
“A family club with a great atmosphere, the fans are absolutely brilliant.”
After coming through the Birmingham academy and eventually moving on to play for Yeovil last season, McDonald was out of contract in January and missed the second half of the campaign.
His recovery from a hamstring injury meant he was given a chance by Darrell Clarke and Walsall on a short-term deal, which was extended by 18 months in January this year.
After seizing his chance in a Walsall shirt, McDonald is now focused on his future with the club.
“At first I thought there might be a bit more pressure on but as you play more games you just get used to it,” he added.
“When I’m playing I don’t really feel any pressure, I’m just focusing on what I need to do.
“I wouldn’t say there was a penny dropping moment, I was just training hard and waiting for my opportunity.
“Then I got it against Crawley and I wanted to take that opportunity, which I did.
“As a player you want more game time so I continued what I was doing and tried to be as consistent as possible.
“The more game time I was getting the fitter I was getting, the intensity raised and I was looking to help the team out as much as possible – creating chances and scoring goals.
“At the moment I’m strictly focusing on Walsall, it’s not on my mind (to leave).
“I always wanted to stay at Walsall, it’s a great club with a great bunch of lads and a good manager.
“I was in good form and wanted to get that (the contract) sorted and crack on.”
