Goalkeeper Sam Hornby departs Walsall for non-league Hednesford Town

Walsall have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Sam Hornby, who has joined non-league neighbours Hednesford Town on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old featured just 22 times for Walsall in all competitions - including 10 appearances in League Two.

Hornby had a spell with Hednesford at the start of his career and returns to Key Park following their promotion to the National League North.

The shot-stopper had 12 months left on the two-year deal that he signed last year.

14 players have departed the Saddlers since the end of the previous campaign, after Connor Barrett’s switch to League One outfit Wigan Athletic was confirmed last week.

His exit becomes takes the total of departing players to 14 following confirmation that Connor Barrett had completed his switch to League One side Wigan Athletic last week.

Following a successful trial period in 2024, Hornby starred in every game of the Saddlers’ run to the last 16 of the EFL Trophy.

He also memorably saved two penalty kicks in a group stage shoot-out at Birmingham City and a further three in the last 32 against Reading.

Walsall mounted another run to the last 16 with Hornby between the sticks last term, but game time in League Two has been limited.

Hornby was reduced to six league appearances during his debut season with Stoke loanee Tommy Simkin preferred by former head coach Mat Sadler.

And Myles Roberts assumed the No 1 spot following his loan switch from Watford, as Hornby featured just four times in the league last term.

Academy graduate Jenson Kilroy is the only goalkeeper contracted for next season - with a new shot-stopper likely to be high on the priority list this summer.

Kilroy had his option year exercised last month after signing his first professional deal with the club in the summer of 2025.