Walsall defender David Okagbue reflects on challenging start to life in England

Yet life was not easy to begin with. The Covid-19 pandemic had plunged football into darkness and Okagbue recalls the challenges he faced in his first few months away from his native Ireland. 

"It was quite tough," Okagbue remembers. "I didn't go home for six months and I struggled with that. 

"That took a lot out of me to be away from home, being in digs and not having my mum to look after me. 

"I was just fortunate that I have a very supportive family. They were great and everyone was so excited for me to go over to England because they knew it was what I always wanted to them. 

"They kept my spirits up during that time. I was facetiming my family every day and that really helped me get through it." 

Football would eventually return later that year and Okagbue became an ever-present for the Potters' under-18s during his first season. 

He made the step-up to the under-21s the following campaign and was soon rewarded with his first call-up for the Republic of Ireland under-19s after spending years in the international wilderness. 

Okagbue went on to play over 60 times for Stoke at youth level, by which point he was prepared to enter the men's game.

Loan spells at Chester and later Oldham Athletic provided him with valuable experience, as he unknowingly paved his route to Bescot. 

"I look back at those challenging times and they've actually shaped me into who I am now," he reflects. 

"I've been living away for years now and I'm just so used to it now. I'm glad that I got that experience because it's not new to me anymore.

"It taught me so much and helped me mature a lot quicker. I learned to look after myself by living alone and it was a massive learning experience for me."

Those experiences ultimately equipped him for life at Walsall and Okagbue has proven a shrewd signing under Mat Sadler. 

He initially enjoyed a fruitful loan from the Bet365 Stadium, scoring once in 35 appearances. 

His debut campaign at Walsall left such an impression that he later rejected a contract extension with the Championship outfit and signed a two-year deal with Walsall. 

Okagbue featured heavily again in his second campaign - playing 54 times and registering three goals and four assists. 

The season eventually ended in heartbreak with a 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-off final but Okagbue is eager to keep building with the club heading into his third season.

"I've loved every minute of my time here so far. I've played a lot of games and that was one of the main reasons I came back. 

"Now I just hope I can keep building on that."

Walsall will soon begin preparing for another season in the fourth tier of English football. Okagbue will have new defenders to form relationships with ahead of the new campaign with the Saddlers busy in the summer transfer market so far.

Harrison Burke joined from non-league side Chester - he is a centre-back. They have also secured the services of left wing-back Mason Hancock.