Lee Grant issues "development" verdict on Walsall's transfer approach

Lee Grant says one of his goals at Walsall is to help continue the club’s recent track record for developing young talent.

Walsall have gained a strong reputation for providing young players with opportunities - particularly via the loan market in the past three seasons.

But they have also achieved that with the likes of Isaac Hutchinson, Taylor Allen, David Okagbue and Connor Barrett, who have since left the club for transfer fees.

Grant: “There is going to be a strong emphasis on development”

10 of the Saddlers’ 13 summer signings have been permanent additions and Grant is eager to help this new-look squad develop over the course of his reign.

“I think the football club has worked hard to try and secure more of our own players this year,” head coach Grant explained.

“That’s not easy because as I’ve said before, we’re not in a situation where we could perhaps could look at other clubs and say that’s really easy to do because everybody wants to come and make themselves superbly wealthy to come and be a Walsall player.

“What we’ve managed to secure is players that are desperate to be here because they know that they’re going to get really good work and there is going to be a strong emphasis on development.

Grant continued: “They know the football club does really well with helping players improve. You look at the last few young players of the year awards and the work the club has done in terms of Taylor Allen for example.

“There is such a long list. Players know that this is a football club where they can come and develop, which is part of my goal here.”

11 players in the squad are contracted beyond the end of this season, while Walsall hold options years on five of the 10 that are out-of-contract next summer.