Express & Star

James Hardy ‘hungry’ for Walsall challenge

Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke reckons new boy James Hardy putting ambition ahead of money shows he has the hunger to be a success at Walsall.

Published

Hardy, a product of Manchester City’s academy, had spent the previous four seasons in non-league with AFC Fylde before signing up at the Banks’s.

The 23-year-old turned down several lucrative offers to remain in the National League, in favour of joining the Saddlers and taking his first shot at league football. And Clarke believes that speaks volumes about his character.

The boss said: “The lad’s hunger to want to play in the league and not just fill his bank account in non-league, coming here on a much-reduced salary to prove a point, was great for me.

“We want hungry players who the fans can enjoy watching.”

And Clarke believes Hardy, who can play in several positions, can offer the Saddlers something different in the attacking third. He said: ”He can create a lot of things at the top end of the pitch. He has unbelievable talent. But he is also hardened, having played 100 games in non-league.”