Four Walsall players looking to impress in pre-season

The Saddlers are preparing for a seventh successive season in League Two, after missing out on promotion with a 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon in the play-off final at Wembley. 

The dust has not quite settled in the wake of Walsall's collapsed promotion bid, but a new season offers fresh hope. 

And with that in mind, there are many who'll be determined to hit the ground running ahead of the 2025-26 season. 

Priestley Farquharson 

Perhaps no player has more of a point to prove at Walsall than Priestley Farquharson. 

Not only will he be eager to stake his claim ahead of the new season, but he will also be looking to prove to himself that he can return to full fitness. 

There is no doubting his quality as a player. Farquharson has showcased his athleticism and commanding ability in the small sample of games between an incessant run of injury problems. 

Last season, Farquharson saw his season curtailed by a thigh injury in August 2024 and many expected him to be heading for the exit door this summer. 

Yet Sadler has handed him what feels like one final chance, after the centre-back penned a new one-year deal last week. 

Keep him fit and Farquharson could be a key man as the anchor of the three-man defence.

Levi Amantchi 

Amantchi has received mixed reviews since arriving from League Two rivals Bromley in January. 

The 24-year-old netted four times during his first half-season at Bescot and impressed in glimpses, most notably in a 2-2 draw at his former club in March. 

However, the striker has also demonstrated his rawness, especially during an ineffectual first half performance in the 1-0 win at Crewe on the final day. 

He admirably admitted that he has not necessarily reached the standards he expects of himself in a social media post at the end of the season. 

Sadler and his teammates have highlighted his willingness to learn and improve, and hopefully pre-season will be the catalyst for a more successful campaign next year.

Evan Weir 

Weir spent his debut season at Walsall learning in the shadow of star man Taylor Allen. 

Allen's departure has opened up a prime opportunity for Weir to battle for a starting place in the left centre-back slot. 

He impressed at stages last season, in particular during the 2-1 comeback win over Notts County at Meadow Lane on New Year's Day. 

The question is whether he can produce consistent performances if afforded a run in the team.

This could be his chance to answer those questions and nail down a regular place.

Ronan Maher 

Maher is still pushing for his Walsall breakthrough, after proving his quality in the divisions below with Rushall Olympic in 2023-24 and Tamworth last term. 

The two-year deal, which he signed in June, might just be the confidence booster he needs to finally make his mark at Walsall. 

The departure of Jack Earing coupled with the loss of loan pair George Hall and Alfie Chang could provide him with the platform to force his way into Sadler's plans. 

Not just that, but his versatility, both in central midfield and as a wide man, could increase his first team chances next season.