Jack Rose: I'm in my best position at Walsall to date
Jack Rose believes he is in his best position as a Walsall player – and possibly in his career to date – after cementing his place in the side.
The goalkeeper played the final eight games of the season after Liam Roberts picked up an injury, but kept his place when the academy graduate returned to fitness.
It gave him the longest run in the side since joining the club, taking him to 18 games in total for the campaign.
He now enters the new season in contract and when asked if he is now in his best place since becoming a Walsall player, Rose said: "I think so. When I came in last season Walsall saw me as a number two, but I didn't see myself as that.
"I think they were surprised at the ability I had and that it wasn't a clear-cut number two.
"Robbo was really good last season and I couldn't get in the team and this season has been good for me.
"I've come back even better than last season and for me it's the best position I've been in personally.
"I'm just really pleased to get the games I have and hopefully I can take that into next season. It's been good this season.
"I'm happy with the amount of games I've played and I'm really pleased to finish the season in goal for the team. Hopefully that carries on to next season.
"It's not secret that I've not had the games that maybe I should at this time, but I'm getting the games now and that's all I can ask for.
"Goalkeepers go longer and hopefully get better with age. Hopefully there's many more games to come and I improve with all of them"
The 2020/21 campaign was one to forget for the Saddlers after losing key players in January and to injury, losing manager Darrell Clarke to rivals Port Vale and then slipping into a relegation battle under Brian Dutton.
For Rose, missing the fans has been a huge factor in the club's struggles and he is already looking forward to welcoming them back next season.
"It's been a strange season," Rose added.
"Everyone misses the fans. They make everything in the game.
"They might give you your nerves, or might give some players an extra five or 10 per cent in the game. It gives an atmosphere so it's good to have the fans.
"It's one we'll look back on and think it's a totally different season than what we're used to and what will be in the future.
"Hopefully everyone is back next season cheering us on.
"We're surprised to not see fans back this season but hopefully next season, with everything looking positive with the vaccine, we can get everyone back in and get a good atmosphere going."
