Douglas James-Taylor departs Walsall after Drogheda loan

James-Taylor will depart Bescot after three seasons with the club, the last of which he spent on loan at fellow-Trivela owned club Drogheda United. 

Drogheda made a 'significant offer' to sign James-Taylor permanently, which the former Stoke City striker has opted to rebuff in order to join another club. 

In a statement, Drogheda said: "Drogheda can confirm that Douglas James-Taylor has departed the club following the club following the conclusion of his loan spell. 

"The club had made a significant offer to James-Taylor to make the move to the club permanent. However, he has decided to pursue an opportunity elsewhere."

Bohemians are strongly reported to be his next destination, which will see James-Taylor reunited with former Saddlers loanee Ross Tierney. 

James-Taylor initially joined Walsall on loan from Stoke, scoring twice in 30 appearances under Michael Flynn in his first season.

The 23-year-old re-joined on a permanent deal in 2023 and found the net three times in 33 matches across all competitions in 2023-24. 

In total, James-Taylor netted five times and set-up four more in 63 games for the Saddlers. 

He joined Drogheda on loan in July 2024 and registered 15 goals and four assists in 35 matches for the Irish outfit. 

James-Taylor also won the FAI Cup, scoring the Drogs' second goal from the spot in a 2-0 win over Derry City in the final at the Aviva Stadium in November 2024. 

Walsall recently agreed contract extensions for Sam Hornby and Priestley Farquharson. Hornby has penned a two-year deal; Farquharson has signed a one-year contract. 

Defender Harry Williams is the only outstanding player yet to decide on his future, with his current deal set to expire.