Walsall owners make 'stagnant' claim but insist on 'clear evidence of progress and hope'

The Saddlers' League Two campaign ended in Wembley despair as AFC Wimbledon prevailed under the arch to earn promotion and leave Walsall facing a seventh season in the fourth tier.

United States-based investment firm Trivela, for whom this was a third season as the club's owners, addressed supporters six days after Mat Sadler's team were seen off by the Dons.

Within a lengthy statement, they referenced last Monday's disappointment and the general flat-line in form since the sky-high table-topping position in January. They also touched on winter transfer business, with varying success.

There was also confirmation of a fans' forum on Wednesday, July 9, with further details to follow.

The owners underlined their acknowledgement of Walsall's recent stagnation and regression - but in the view of co-chairmen Ben Boycott and Leigh Pomlett, as well as chief executive Ben Sadler, there is a renewed sense of hope in the air at Bescot.

The statement read: "We are absolutely aware that this football club had been stagnant, to be honest it had regressed, for such a long period of time, with very little for you to cheer about, as many other clubs kicked on and grew, leaving us behind.

"This is our reality and what we are all working hard every day as a group to change and improve upon.

"Over the last few seasons – we can see clear evidence of progress and a renewed sense of hope, positivity and energy.

"We are all working together as we look to continue on the efforts so far, and we are fully committed to the football club and continue to work with a long-term view of creating a sustainable and thriving club for the town of Walsall."

Under Trivela the club previously registered finishes of 16th and 11th. Sadler's team were seconds from automatic promotion - something that appeared all-but theirs in the new year - but a dramatic finale conspired against them as Bradford snatched third. Walsall were left to lick their wounds and caught the eye to see off Chesterfield in the semi-final, but Wembley delivered another hammerblow.

Within the board's message of just shy of 1,200 words there was no direct reference to head coach Sadler, on whom scrutiny has grown after Walsall toiled in the second half of the season, with just three regular season wins from January 25 onwards.

In January, when his side were 10 points clear of second, Sadler penned a new three-year deal until 2028. Boosted by the first half of the campaign, Walsall posted 20-year record high attendance figures both at home and on the road.

Trivela's statement added: "While Monday’s outcome wasn’t what we had wished, what this season has shown us – loud and clear – is that Walsall Football Club is moving forward. There is a spirit and a strength in this team, on and off the pitch, that gives us a foundation to build something special."

It was signed off by stating the 'focus and hunger' to stronger from the experience of the season and how the board and technical staff have already kicked off the bid to rebuild the squad for next season.

Earlier in the weekend, Walsall confirmed four senior exits as part of their retained and released list. Club captain Donervon Daniels, Oisin McEntee - who instead opted to join Hearts in Scotland - Jack Earing and Danny Johnson all departed at the end of their deals.

Rico Browne, Evan Weir and Jamie Jellis extended their stay by a season by way of club options.

A host of other out-of-contract players are in negotiations over new deals, including Sam Hornby, Harry Williams, Priestley Farquharson, Liam Gordon, Ryan Stirk, Ronan Maher, Albert Adomah, Jamille Matt and Douglas James-Taylor.