Promising teenage defender signs his professional contract with Walsall
Walsall have confirmed that promising teenage defender Stan Straw has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old has made five appearances for the Saddlers in the EFL Trophy this term and has also gained senior experience in non-league on loan at Halesowen Town.
Straw made three appearances from the bench for Walsall during the group stage of the EFL Trophy - which was followed by his first start in a 2-1 win at Stevenage in the round of 32.
The centre-back impressed and started again in a 4-2 defeat against Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium in the last 16 on January 14.
"It's amazing to have signed my first professional contract, especially for a club like Walsall," Straw said.
"It's something I've worked towards my whole life and I'm just so proud of not only myself but everyone around me.
"Football has its ups and downs of course but I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here at Walsall.
"I've got a good group of staff and players around me who push me on and have played a big part in getting me to where I am now."
Straw joined Walsall at under-15 level in December 2022 and excelled throughout his journey within the academy ranks.
He has also trained with the first team on a number of occasions and has impressed with the under-18s under Rob Williams, and more recently, Martyn Bowles.
"The group at the moment are so good with the younger players. I've sat next to Albert Adomah in the changing room for example and he's had a fantastic career," Straw added.
"There's Aden Flint in my position who I look up to and aspire to be like in the future. Mason Hancock and Harrison Burke have been really good to me too.
"The supporters have also accepted me like one of their own. At Stevenage, they were a massive help for me and it makes a big difference knowing you have their backing when you step out on to the pitch.
"I'm really appreciative of everyone and I'm ready for the challenge ahead."
Walsall vowed to use the EFL Trophy to promote academy talent and also handed first team debut to the likes of McLloyd Oben and Paul Makavore earlier in the season.
Fellow teenagers Dylan Thomas and Charlie Wragg also featured in the competition during former head coach Mat Sadler's reign.
Interim Darren Byfield said in an interview in October: "It's a testament to the way they train, the way they work hard, play their games and apply themselves.
"The rest of the youth team boys will look, and think: 'We can get a chance if we keep working hard and performing.
"And for the locals to see that we've got young boys coming through that are not only just making appearances, but doing really well too."
Jenson Kilroy - who penned his first professional deal last summer - has also featured in match day squad both in league and cup competitions.
The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Rushall Olympic and made a penalty save during their 1-1 draw against Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.
