Relationships are key for Walsall
Mat Sadler wants to harness Walsall’s relationships with local clubs Rushall Olympic and Kidderminster Harriers.
Ronan Maher was recalled from his loan with the Pics earlier this week, while Joe Foulkes impressed during his two seasons at Kidderminster.
Maher joined Rushall in August and was originally due to stay at Dales Lane until his loan expired in January.
However, the 18-year-old contributed three assists in 10 league appearances for the Pics, and thrived in his new role as a left midfielder.
He was named the club’s supporters’ player of the month for October, and scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Boldmere St Michaels in the Walsall Senior Cup in his penultimate game for the club.
Foulkes also thrived with the Harriers - racking up 60 appearances in total, and achieving promotion via the National League North play-offs last term.
The 20-year-old has made eight appearances for the first team this season, including five in League Two.
Sadler insists the Saddlers will continue to build on the close relationships with both clubs going forward.
“Between Rushall Olympic and Kidderminster Harriers are two clubs that we’ve got great relationships with the managers, and I’ll be looking to utilise those relationships as we move on,” Sadler revealed.
“Liam (McDonald) has been brilliant with Ronan (Maher) at Rushall because he has gone through the range of different emotions that I wanted him to go through.
“I’ve been really pleased with his development and we will look to use that as we go forward.
“Fingers crossed they continue that fight and get to where they want because it’s a great relationship for us to have.”
n Former Walsall winger Miah Dennehy has died, aged 73.
He made 128 league appearances for Saddlers between 1975-78.
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