Mason Hancock: Debut season challenges with Walsall made me stronger

Walsall left-back Mason Hancock is optimistic that the challenges he has faced in his debut season will only help him in the future.

Hancock arrived from Scottish Championship outfit Airdrieonians last summer - but was stretchered off just four games into the new season.

He spent almost five months on the sidelines with a dislocated knee before making his long-awaited return in January.

“Eventful” - Hancock on debut season with Walsall

The 23-year-old eventually featured in every minute of the final 10 games under Darren Byfield and scored his first two goals for the club in a 3-1 win at Barrow on April 18.

“One word to sum up what this first season has been like? Eventful,” Hancock reflected.

“I’d love to be sitting here in a position where I’ve got 30 games under my belt and I’ve had a great first season.

“But unfortunately that’s not the case with a six-month injury. I’ve learned a lot from the boys that have come in and boys that have gone out.

“I’ve seen what it’s like to be at the top of the league and I’ve seen what it’s like when you’re struggling.”

Hancock also experienced the highs and lows of a season in the Football League, after Walsall plummeted from the summit to 13th during the second half of the campaign.

How challenges have made Hancock stronger

Those rollercoaster emotions he experienced is also something he feels will leave him in good stead, as he looks to build with Walsall next season.

“You get caught up in it sometimes and you forget what the bigger picture is - you forget your path,” he added.

“Then it isn’t until a few years later that you realise how good that was for you.

“Everything that we’ve been through as a whole is only going to help me in the future.

“Sometimes it feels like the end of the world if something doesn’t go your way and then a month later you strike upon an opportunity.

“It’s up to you to stay in the right head space when it comes.”