Jed Ward arrival hints at Walsall's focus on long-term vision

Myles Roberts and Tommy Simkin have both donned the gloves during loan spells at Bescot over the past two seasons.

Even Jackson Smith, who was later signed permanently from Wolves in 2023, initially joined on a temporary deal, although he departed after just one full season to join Barnsley.

But the days of the communal No 1 spot could be over, as the goalkeeping department, much like the rest of the Saddlers’ squad, has undergone major reconstruction.

Major goalkeeping overhaul

Roberts was released by Watford following the end of his Walsall loan, but has instead been linked with a return to his former loan club Partick Thistle - according to reports elsewhere.

Sam Hornby, who made just 10 league appearances in two seasons at Walsall, has also departed for non-league neighbours Hednesford Town.

That left Walsall with just academy graduate Jenson Kilroy as their only senior option between the sticks.

Concerns have been growing in recent days with Walsall edging closer to pre-season without bolstering their goalkeeping ranks.

Walsall’s past faith in young goalkeepers

That is not to say that Ward will be the immediate No 1, but Walsall have form for backing young goalkeepers.

As well as Roberts and Simkin, Carl Rushworth also enjoyed an excellent loan spell with the Saddlers in 2019-20.

The Brighton goalkeeper has since gone on to enjoy loan spells higher up the ladder and won the golden glove with 17 clean sheets for Championship title-winning Coventry City last term.

As for Ward, his potential was once recognised by the England set-up and he earned two under-20 caps in 2024.

He was unable to nail down a regular place between the sticks with Rovers, but still made 42 appearances for them and has plenty of loan experience in the National League with Yeovil Town and Forest Green Rovers respectively.

Transfer business tailored towards long-term growth

But the biggest indicator that this transfer window is tailored towards a long-term vision is the length of deals which have been dished out to new signings.

Andrew Dallas and Lewis Simper have signed two-year deals until 2028 - while Sven Sprangler and James Connolly have agreed deals of the same length with an option year included.

In addition, Rico Browne penned a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months earlier this summer.

And the three-year deal with an option year handed to Ward makes him the longest contracted player on the Saddlers’ books.

With new head coach Lee Grant penning a three-year deal upon his appointment in May, Walsall are clearly planning for a two to four-year cycle under his stewardship.

Short-term deals may follow later in the window, but Walsall are operating with an eye to the future in terms of their early transfer business.