Big Kick-Off: Walsall could need to be patient as Lee Grant era begins

They have every reason to feel restless too. Twice, Walsall have been in pole position for promotion, and on both occasions, they have fallen short.

The downfall was even more precipitous and merciless last term, so much so that the club has underwent a complete overhaul this summer.

Walsall have topped League Two at Christmas in each of the past two seasons, but plummeted to an underwhelming 13th-place by the end of the previous campaign.

A fresh chapter for Walsall - but reset will need time

Now, Walsall head into their eighth successive season in the EFL’s basement division with a new head coach and a new-look squad.

Head of football Stewart Mairs kick-started the rebuild with the release of 12 players - including stalwarts under former head coach Mat Sadler such as Brandon Comley, Charlie Lakin and Jamille Matt.

Sam Hornby and Connor Barrett later followed them out of the exit door, as Walsall well and truly hit the reset button.

Every supporter dreams that a new season can breed fresh optimism, but the evidence of pre-season has suggested that there’s still a lot of work ahead.

How much should Walsall fans read into pre-season?

It would be amiss to jump to any conclusions before a competitive ball is kicked, but you do get the sense that this squad will need time to settle.

That is not unusual. Walsall collected just five wins from Sadler’s first 19 league games at the helm in 2023-24.

Walsall had also gone unbeaten during his first pre-season, which perhaps illustrates that minimal stock should be paid towards the performances, or results, against Leamington, Aston Villa, AFC Telford United and Notts County.

Yet that is the only evidence we currently have to gauge how Walsall could fare under Grant.

And in 360 minutes of football (in front of spectators at least), Walsall have drawn twice and lost twice, while failing to score a single goal in the process, although their goalless draw against Notts County on Saturday saw them produce their best performance of pre-season.

Where will the goals come from for Walsall?

That has raised questions over where the goals will come from this season. Summer signing Tai Sodje and Andrew Dallas have been prolific in the divisions below, but will now be tasked with repeating that form in League Two.

Aaron Pressley also had a challenging debut campaign with Walsall, after joining from Stevenage last summer.

The Scotsman started with promise, and still weighed in with seven goals, but his tendency to miss gilt-edged chances became a frustrating theme.

38-year-old Albert Adomah and Courtney Clarke, who played the majority of last season in midfield, have been the primary wide options during pre-season.

But Grant has got his wish in terms of adding “more speed” to his ranks with the signing of Harrogate Town winger Reece Smith.

More signings expected

In total, Walsall have signed nine players so far this summer. Jed Ward looks set to be the No 1 after joining from Bristol Rovers, while Wycombe Wanderers loanee Declan Skura, as well as the permanent signings of James Connolly and Ryan Leak have bolstered the defence.

Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper and Coventry City loanee Isaac Moore have augmented the midfield options, although Alex Pattison is set to miss the next two months with a hamstring injury.

Pattison is an outstanding talent when fit, but his injury record has always been the biggest question mark hanging over him.

In terms of the formation, Grant has predominantly set-up in a 4-2-3-1 during pre-season. He’s clearly looking to implement a high-pressing style, which features a high defensive line.

A look to the future

Another interesting development to follow could be the opportunities handed to the Saddlers’ academy players.

Stan Straw seized his chance in the EFL Trophy last term, while Will Etheridge also made his league debut on the final day of last season.

Fellow academy midfielder Archie Bunn has featured throughout pre-season and completed a full 90 minutes in the defeat at Telford.