5 Walsall players who will want to stake a claim in pre-season

A summer of change is on the horizon at Walsall - but there are plenty from the previous era with a point to prove.

No fewer than 12 players were released last month and a complete overhaul of the squad is expected.

Walsall have announced their friendly against Aston Villa at Bescot for July 21 - with further dates due to follow.

And for those those who still remain, here are five in particular who will be looking to stake a claim.

Aaron Pressley

Pressley is currently the only out-and-out striker contracted to Walsall next season.

That will of course inevitably change once the summer transfer window opens, but Pressley will have a point to prove after a somewhat underwhelming debut campaign.

The Scotsman netted seven times in League Two after completing his switch from League One side Stevenage last summer.

He scored four goals and set-up one more in his first 11 league appearances, but failed to find the net in a period disrupted by injury and poor form.

The 24-year-old went on to net against Grimsby Town, Notts County and Crewe Alexandra, but has not scored since March 14.

Courtney Clarke

Clarke will be striving to build on a promising debut season in the Football League after joining from non-league Eastbourne Borough last summer.

The 23-year-old scored on his international debut for Jamaica during the summer and will be hoping to continue his momentum in 2026-27.

His versatility was a major asset for the Saddlers - with Clarke playing on both sides as a wing-back and a winger, as well as in central midfield.

And it will be intriguing to see how the youngster fits into Grant’s plans.

Vincent Harper

Harper filled the void for Mason Hancock during the first half of the season after he dislocated his knee in August last year.

The Kenyan international made two assists in 37 appearances in total but fell down the pecking order once Hancock returned to fitness fitness.

In the final 10 games, Harper emerged from the bench just four times - predominantly as a right-back.

Left-back is currently the strongest area in a depleted squad following the release of 12 players with Hancock and Harper competing for a spot.

Stan Straw

Academy graduate Straw penned his first professional contract in March after impressing in the EFL Trophy.

The 17-year-old - who will turn 18 in August - made five appearances in the competition, including two starts in the knockout stages.

He missed the end of the season with a calf issue but is expected to be fit in time for pre-season.

The young centre-back is likely to be handed opportunities in pre-season ahead of another crucial campaign in terms of his development.

Ronan Maher

The 21-year-old will be heading into the final year of his contract, as he sets his sights on breaking into the first team.

He has had loans at Rushall Olympic and Tamworth over the past three seasons and has started just twice for Walsall in League Two since making his debut aged just 17 in 2022.