Walsall hopeful Courtney Clarke can emulate fellow non-league gems

Over the past two seasons, Harry Williams, Connor Barrett and Jamie Jellis have all enjoyed breakthroughs at Bescot after arriving from non-league during Sadler's tenure. 

Clarke becomes the latest recruit to be plucked from non-league, after penning a two-year deal with the option of a further year following his switch from National League South side Eastbourne Borough. 

“Courtney is an extremely powerful and explosive athlete,” Walsall boss Sadler said.

“He had a fantastic season at Eastbourne and started to grab the attention of people looking in that direction.

“He fits the mould of exactly the type of player we bring to the club – young, hungry and wanting to get better.

“We’ve got a track record of improving players in that same model and we see Courtney as another one on that list of players that we aim to do that with.

“We want to recruit the best from the levels below us and we’ve got a proven record of doing well in that market.

"Courtney is someone who I’ve seen and looked at for a long time and he’ll add explosiveness on that right hand side. He’s a good young player, he’s hungry to play and do well which is exactly the mentality we want.”

Clarke played 37 times for Eastbourne last season, scoring three goals and setting up four more. 

His performances played a key role in helping them finish in third-place, just one-point behind champions Truro City.

“I’m happy to be here and thankful for the opportunity,” Clarke added.

“I’m a player that likes to express himself, run at people with my speed, strength, dribbling and I play with a smile on my face. 

“The gaffer already believes in me and having the gaffer behind me is even more of a boost for me to do well, show him what I can do and show everyone what I can do. 

“I’m excited and ready to go, this is a dream come true.”