New Walsall centre-back discusses play-off final heartbreak
New centre-back Harrison Burke says both he and Walsall need to learn from their disappointing play-off experiences last season.
The 22-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Saddlers last week after Walsall fought off stiff competition to land his signature.
Burke joined from Chester, a place where he scored 13 goals last campaign and won player of the season awards from the fans and his peers.
The Saddlers were beaten in the League Two play-off final by AFC Wimbledon at Wembley while Burke experienced his own final heartbreak after Chester's loss to Scunthorpe.
"The biggest thing for me last season and the biggest lesson was losing the play-off final," Burke said. “Walsall also lost the play-off final and it’s something we’ve been deprived of, me personally (not here) but also the fans here have.
“It's fuel. I didn’t lose that game, I learnt from that game and it’s important that you go through them because it’s not always going to be pretty but I really want to put it right this year and what better way to do it than with this club."
He featured just under 150 times for Chester during his time there and played a massive part in both boxes.
“Last season was massive for me personally," he said. "The goals are always nice but I also thought I was doing well defensively.
"The goals are something that I believe I’ve always had in my game whether I was a scholar, a kid or even in the first team - I’ve just got an eye for goal and it’s something that’s not a bad thing."
“As a kid, I used to be adamant I was a striker but slowly throughout the years I got moved back down to defence.
“I think it always stays with you. I feel like anyone who plays football at any level who gets paid to play is able to finish.
“When the corner comes in I believe if I can get a run, get the timing of the header and win the header then I can score goals. It’s almost a confidence and a belief that when a corner happens, I can score.”
Walsall have made a habit of unearthing non-league gems over the last couple of seasons securing the services of Harry Williams, Connor Barrett and Jamie Jellis.
“It’s something that I could resonate with,” Burke said. “I saw them and I thought if they can do it why can’t I? I have a strong work mindset so seeing other people out of non-league like Jamie Jellis, I played against him at Tamworth, and to see him thrive in League Two I thought ‘Why can’t I do that?’
“I spoke to the manager and he seemed eager that this could happen as well. It’s not just going to happen; I’ve got to put in the work but I’m fine with that.”
