Davies first to sign new deal

The 18-year-old will get another year at the Banks's Stadium after coming increasingly close to the first-team picture with the Saddlers, with three appearances from the substitutes' bench, where he has been named 13 times this season.

The teenager is delighted to extend his stay at his boyhood club.

He said: "I have been here a long time and love the club. I would have taken what I have achieved at the start of the season and it's good progress for me.

"I am determined to keep pushing on and will come back for pre-season training with a good attitude, so that I can make my mark in the friendly matches."

Richard's older brother Mark is currently in the Premier League picture as a Bolton player, after a £1million-plus move from Wolves in January.

With his sibling currently rubbing shoulders with the stars of the top-flight, there is plenty for the younger Davies to take inspiration from.

He said: "It just shows what can be done with hard work and application. It's great for Mark and I am trying my hardest to reach the level that he is at."

With Davies' signature in the bag, manager Chris Hutchings will be hoping the rest of the out-of-contract band of players follow suit.

He is awaiting a response from goalkeepers Clayton Ince and Rene Gilmartin, along with Manny Smith, Netan Sansara, Sofiene Zaaboub, Jabo Ibehre and Chris Palmer.

One down, seven to go and the Saddlers boss now challenges the 18-year-old to fulfill his potential at the Banks's Stadium.

Hutchings said: "He's been around the first-team squad this season and now we are looking for him to step up to the next level.

"There is plenty of hard work ahead for him, but the ball is in his court now to show us what he is made of."