Taundry aims to emulate O'Connor

The 20-year-old has been under the tutelage of assistant boss O'Connor, who spent three spells as a player with the club, since he arrived with manager Chris Hutchings in January.

Now he feels determined to fill O'Connor's shoes on the pitch and drive the Saddlers forward.

Taundry said: "I knew Martin when I was a kid, as he knew my dad.

"Growing up as a Walsall fan he was one of my favourite players. I can see similarities between him and me.

"We're both Walsall lads and he had an aggressive style of play, which is how I am as a player.

"He was born just around the corner from me and I want to emulate what he achieved at this club."

Taundry, who made 39 appearances last season, recognises the significance of local players breaking into the first team.

He said: "It's important that clubs have local players, who the fans can really relate to."

Taundry wants to shine next season and is contracted at the Banks's for another year, while the out of contract players are set to resolve their futures in the next few days.