Comment: Next season 'instrumental' for Ronan Maher's Walsall future

At the very least, Maher will be eager to stake a claim, even if that is as a squad player. His versatility across the pitch will certainly leave him in good stead to do so, as will his experiences on loan. 

Maher shone at Rushall Olympic in the National League North in 2023-24, and replicated that individual success during his temporary stints at Tamworth last term. 

His form with the latter even earned him his maiden call-up for the Republic of Ireland under-21s, whereby he made his debut during the international break in March. 

Ultimately, Maher has earned his stripes, and in doing so, is good value for the new two-year deal he has just penned at Bescot. 

The challenge now is to make full use of his opportunity, and more importantly, receive the game time to be able to do so. 

That has not been the case so far. Maher was reduced to a pair of cameos from the bench for Walsall in the league last term, with both coming at the start of the campaign in August. 

He did at least receive minutes in the cup competitions, starting every game in the League Cup, as well as the EFL Trophy group stage. 

His most notable performance came in the eight role during the Saddlers' impressive goalless stalemate against then Premier League side Leicester City in the League Cup third round. 

But he was also deployed twice as a wing-back in the EFL Trophy and has fulfilled a variety of different positions across his loan spells in non-league. 

At Rushall, Maher excelled on the left of midfield in Liam McDonald's 4-2-3-1 formation, but was also used as a wing-back and in the No 10 slot from time to time. 

With Tamworth, the 20-year-old once again played largely on the left, but scored his famous extra-time equaliser against Burton in the FA Cup second round as a right-midfielder.

Liam Gordon's departure to local rivals Port Vale could open up a possible avenue for him at left wing-back, although he is likely to be competing with new signing Mason Hancock. 

There is also plenty of scope for Maher to make his mark in midfield following Jack Earing's release at the end of the season and the loss of loanees Alfie Chang and George Hall. 

Recruitment over the summer will be the biggest indicator of where Maher is likely to fit into Mat Sadler's plans. 

So far, Walsall have bolstered the defence, with the additions of Courtney Clarke, Harrison Burke and Hancock. 

If reports are to be believed then the next area that Walsall are looking to bolster is in attack, with Bournemouth youngster Jonny Stuttle and Stevenage frontman Aaron Pressley strongly linked. 

Pre-season will give Sadler another opportunity to scan his eye over Maher. And while he might not quite be reaching 'make or break' point just yet, next season will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping his Saddlers future.