James Clarke: Walsall future ‘looking bright’

The emergence of some academy stars was one of few positive points from a dismal 2020/21 season.

Sam Perry and Tom Leak both imposed themselves on the squad, while Alfie Bates continued his journey in the first team and former skipper Clarke, who was released last week, believes the Saddlers have a good base to work from.

He said: “There’s been some unbelievable young players come through like Sam Perry, Leaky, Alfie and we’ve had Tyreik come in too who has been unbelievable.

“It’s been amazing to watch and to be able to put my advice and opinion to them to try and help as much as I can. At the same time they’ve almost been like a driving force themselves. They’ve been fearless in a terrible season.

“Leaky has come in for two high pressure games and did unbelievably well. It’s a credit to those boys for being able to be that fearless. A lot of the other boys were feeling the pressure, you could see it in their performances. Credit to them for dragging us through. Looking at positives coming out of it you have to look at the young lads because the future does look bright in that respect.”