Walsall academy chief highlights loan successes for scholars

A number of academy players gained valuable experience across non-league, including most notably Jenson Kilroy, Dylan Thomas and Charlie Wragg. 

Goalkeeper Kilroy, who was named recently named Walsall's Apprentice of the Year, starred for the likes of Hereford Pegasus, Stratford Town and Farsley Celtic. 

He was rewarded with his first professional contract, while the club also triggered its option to extend Wragg's scholarship. 

"We had 151 games on loan for our scholars this year which is incredible," Williams revealed in a club interview.

"The vast majority of those by two or three players. Charlie [Wragg] played 43 games at Step 3 across three clubs. 

"He had some notable performances, scored a goal in the play-off semi-final for Halesowen against Telford in front of 3,500 people which is incredible for a 17/18 year-old kid. 

"So it's a really valuable experience and an experience that we can't give. Playing in front of 40 parents on a Saturday morning for the under-18s doesn't give that. 

"We'll continue to strive to identify positive loan opportunities for the boys next year."

Striker Wragg, 18, figured for Bromsgrove Sporting, Alvechurch and Halesowen - scoring seven times in total last term (three for Bromsgrove and twice for both Alvechurch and Halesowen). 

In addition, Wragg made his senior debut for the Saddlers as a late substitute in their 1-0 win over Fulham in the EFL Trophy in September last year.

Elsewhere, Thomas is contracted to the club for next season after gaining vital minutes at Bromsgrove. 

He has made four first team appearances for Walsall and made his debut aged 16 in a 3-2 home defeat against Brighton under-21s in August 2023. 

Thomas was awarded the Apprentice of the Season at the end of the 2023-24 season and Kilroy became the latest recipient of the award for last season.