Jack Fitzwater: Walsall made me a man

The 20-year-old Albion defender is reflecting on a campaign which saw him make a breakthrough into senior football during loan spells with the Saddlers and Forest Green.

Fitzwater made 35 appearances across the season, including 16 after arriving at the Banks’s in the final days of the January transfer window.

He said: “I’ve changed massively. I went into Forest Green as a boy, still an under-23s player. I hadn’t grown physically.

“But since I have been to Forest Green I have learned a lot. I was still a bit boyish there.

“In my time at Walsall I have beefed up a little bit and been more aggressive. I feel I have come on as a person and as a player.”

Fitzwater also chipped in with three goals, including a crucial strike in a 1-1 draw at Oldham, as he helped the Saddlers avoid the drop from League One.

“I came in under Jon Whitney and he told me I’d be second or third choice centre-back,” he said.

“I came in not expecting to start. But I started the first game and I just wanted to keep the shirt and I went on to do that. The experience has been fantastic for me. I have really enjoyed it.

“We have played in some pressure games but I think I have thrived under that pressure. I’m really pleased with myself.

“It was a challenge coming here because I knew I wasn’t coming here as the No.1 centre-half.

“I had to fight for the shirt and I did. I think I have ticked that box now and I want to keep testing myself.”

Whitney was axed in March and replaced by Dean Keates, with Walsall eventually securing their League One status in the final week of the campaign.

Fitzwater, who admits he does not know where he will be playing next season, believes the future could be bright for the Saddlers.

“I saw signs under Jon Whitney as well. He brought me in and trusted me and I thought we played some good football,” he said.

“We just weren’t consistent enough. But since Dean Keates has come in we have shored things up at the back.

“And I think next year we – or they if I’m not there – can go on and achieve good things. I’ll certainly never forget the way fans have taken to me.”