Andrew Dallas eager to hit goal scoring trail after completing Walsall move

New signing Andrew Dallas is hoping to hit the goal scoring trail at Walsall after signing on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old scored 17 goals on loan at Southend United in the National League last term, as they bowed out in the play-off quarter-finals.

Dallas was restricted to just five appearances for Barnsley after joining the League One outfit in 2023.

And he has sealed an EFL move following his release from the Tykes by becoming the first signing of the Lee Grant era.

Dallas eager to ‘hit the ground running’

“I’m a striker that can get in behind, link up play and it goes without saying that I like to score goals as every striker does,” Dallas said.

“I had a good season at Southend last year - a great club who I hope will be back in the EFL sooner rather than later, and I scored a few goals there.

“That’s what I want to do here and I just can’t wait to wear that jersey, hit the ground running and hopefully we can have an enjoyable season together.”

Dallas had loan spells in League Two with Barrow and Morecambe in 2024-25 - scoring a combined eight goals across both stints.

Previously, the Scotsman netted 34 goals during two prolific seasons with Solihull Moors between 2021 and 2023.

He also played in the Football League with Cambridge United earlier in his career but was limited to just 10 starts across all competitions.

‘Everything about the project appealed to me’

The striker revealed that he had been in talks with Walsall for a number of weeks and that the project presented to him was a major factor behind his decision.

“I’ve been speaking to the club for a few weeks now and was always confident in wanting to get it done,” he revealed.

“As soon as I got back from my holiday, I couldn’t wait to get along to the stadium and get it done.

“From my initial conversation with the manager, selling me the project and what he wants from me, I just felt that I could be part of it.

“The club has a great fan base and a great stadium - so everything about the project really appealed to me.”

At just 26, Dallas will be looking to seize his opportunity in League Two and make the step up to the next level after a series of prolific spells in the division below.

Dallas arrives at ‘an exciting moment’ - Grant

And Grant feels that his new recruit is hungry for success and is arriving at Bescot in an “exciting moment” in his career.

Boss Grant added: “He’s someone who we’ve been looking at for some time and had a productive spell on loan last season, where he was able to make 20 goal contributions.

“He has a strong list of attributes and comes to us at an exciting moment in his career.

“Andy is hungry for success and is a welcome addition to our forward unit as we prepare for the new season.

“I’m pleased to get this deal over the line in preparation for pre-season and looking forward to seeing Andy demonstrate his talents in front of our supporters.”