Five things we learned from Walsall's first pre-season friendly under Lee Grant

Walsall were held to a goalless stalemate at non-league Leamington in their first pre-season friendly under Lee Grant.

Albert Adomah was twice denied in the first half and Andrew Dallas had a goal ruled out just before half-time.

The Leamington goalkeeper made more saves after the break to thwart the likes of Rico Browne, Ryan Sjoerdsma and Courtney Clarke.

Here are the key things we learned from the Saddlers’ pre-season opener.

Trialists

Jed Ward started the first half between the sticks, but it was a trialist rather than Jenson Kilroy who wore the gloves in the second 45.

That suggests that Walsall are on the hunt for another shot-stopper following Ward’s arrival from Bristol Rovers on Friday.

Myles Roberts’ loan from Watford expired at the end of last season and Sam Hornby departed for Hednesford Town.

As it stands, Ward and Kilroy are the two goalkeepers on the Saddlers’ books, but Walsall are clearly still looking to bolster that department.

New faces

Walsall played different XIs in each half and new signings Sven Sprangler and Andrew Dallas starred in the first 45 alongside fellow debutant Ward.

Loanee Isaac Moore and Lewis Simper made their non-competitive Walsall bows in the second half.

However, new centre-back James Connolly was a notable absentee.

Elicha Ahui also starred in Walsall colours for the first time since joining the club in January 2025.

The right-back returned to training in April following a 10-month absence due to an ACL injury.

Bunn among academy talent to impress

Grant scanned his eye over a number of youngsters, but it was Archie Bunn who grabbed the attention during his first half showing.

The teenage midfielder looked confident on the ball and almost found the net with a swerving shot from distance.

He also threaded a beautiful pass into the path of Adomah when he was denied one-on-one early on.

Fellow young prospects Will Etheridge, Sam Oliver, Ryan Sjoerdsma and Jude Worrall also received valuable minutes.

Who will wear the armband

Grant is yet to choose his club captain following the departure of former skipper Jamille Matt at the end of last season.

Midfielder Pattison wore the armband during the first half - while Harrison Burke took over the captaincy in the second half.

Formation

Grant previously stated than Walsall will play in a back-four more than they will a three and he stuck with the former throughout the 90.

Burke commanded the defence during the second half and Ahui made his presence known with a solid performance at right-back in the first 45.

Etheridge played as the No 10 to begin with, before Simper took over after the break and set-up a great chance for Rico Browne with a sumptuous reverse pass.