Season Review: Saddlers slip to lowest league finish in their history

It was a season to forget for the Saddlers, who gave their fans very little to cheer about. A mass rebuild is ahead throughout the whole club, and one that is welcomed by it’s fans.

Walsall finished 19th in League Two, winning only 11 times. They became the draw specialists, sharing the spoils more than any other team in the EFL, with 20 draws. The lack of wins came down to one thing, a poor attack. The Saddlers only managed 45 goals, with Elijah Adebayo ending as their top scorer on 10 goals. To make things even worse, Adebayo was sold in January, and still finished four goals higher than Caolan Lavery, who was next in the charts.

Key Moments

The biggest moment in Walsall’s season was when manager Darrell Clarke left for Port Vale. His departure came as a surprise to all, with Chairman Leigh Pomlett making the decision to allow him to move as soon as he expressed the slightest interest to leave. It was a bold choice by Pomlett, but one that sticks to his ethos, of only having people at the club who want to be here, and will give their all to do so.

Brian Dutton was his replacement, and he oversaw a poor spell, with only three wins in 20. Dutton couldn’t turn the ship around, and took the side from only six points off the play-offs, to one that nearly was involved in a relegation battle. The decision to let him go was met well with fans, as the football under Dutton became more drab, and painful to watch.

Walsall can look to a number of reasons as to why they struggled, but an injury to Rory Holden hampered their attacking threat. Holden was the Saddlers key man going forward, his creativity, and eye for a pass was a cut above. The Saddlers only managed two wins in his absence, compared with nine in his 21 appearances. He managed four goals and five assists this season, and with only 21 games, some of which were off the bench to rebuild fitness, his influence when he played was outstanding.

The sale of top-scorer Elijah Adebayo, and defender Zak Jules played a huge part in the Saddlers season. Adebayo was the focal point of Walsall’s attack, and he fit the system in place, like no other striker in their ranks. Walsall did not lose a game when Jules played at left-back, and only lost three when he was in the middle. His defensive nous was missed as much as Adebayo’s goals.

The only joy brought to Saddlers fans this season came in the form of beating rivals Port Vale both home and away. The game was very dramatic, as the Saddlers came from 2-0 down, to draw level, only to see Vale take the lead at 3-2. However, two late goals saw Walsall run out 4-3 victors, in what would be up there as game of the season. In the reverse, Walsall were comfortable 3-1 winners, once again making their fans happy.

Transfers a mixed bag

The permanent signing of Rory Holden was the best addition, however that was not a tough title to win. Overall, the signings were underwhelming. Jack Rose continued to be a steady No2 in goal, and impressed in a run towards the end of the season.

Hayden White, and Emmanuel Osadebe had poor starts to the season, but Osadebe did improve. He managed to start to influence games, and did up his goal contribution, however three goals and three assists in 38 appearances is not the type of return Walsall want from an attacking midfielder. White looked off the pace until a run in the team in the second half of the season. He did improve, but not enough to make the fans happy with him being offered a new deal.

The biggest issue in Walsall’s recruitment was with loan signings. There were several players brought in that did not get enough game time. They had to make do with the odd substitute appearance, and sometimes not even a place on the bench. Only two had consistent game time, Tyreik Wright, and Max Melbourne, who played well, and were liked by the fans. The fact that six other loanees have come and gone without really being noticed sums up the panic recruitment from Walsall.

As mentioned earlier, the transfers out made the biggest impact of all. Adebayo missed nearly half a season, and still finished at top scorer. He also was voted 3rd in the fan vote for player of the season. Jules went on to MK Dons, and featured consistently for them, showing how much of a talent he was.

Key Player

Liam Kinsella was the overwhelming choice for player of the season. Kinsella came through the Walsall youth system, and he wore the shirt with pride. He is an energetic midfielder, who despite his small stature, battles with some of the more physical players in the league, and holds his own.

Kinsella was a consistent 7/10 each week, and worked hard to win the ball back for his team. He covered the defence well, and was the engine of the team. Saddlers fans were relieved to see Liam sign a contract extension at the start of the year, and will hope he can replicate his form next campaign.

Season Verdict

Walsall performed well below expectations. Before the season started, fans were hopeful of a top seven finish, or at the very least, an improvement on their 12th place in the 19/20 season. What they got, was their lowest finish since joining the football league.

There was very little to make the fans happy. To go with the poor league form, they were knocked out in the first round of the League Cup, FA Cup, and the group stage of the EFL Trophy. The only positive towards the end of the season, is that they managed to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight, and for Walsall fans, that is not good enough.

Hopes for next season

In a single word, improvement. Walsall have not had an identity since Dean Smith left. There are signs of improvement, with a new technical director being appointed. Jamie Fullarton is being tasked with turning Walsall’s fortunes around, and he has started boldly. Walsall have let interim manager Brian Dutton go, as well as eight first team players.

The cull was needed, and it will allow the new manager to come in, and work with Fullarton to shape the team, as well as the threadbare backroom. Fullarton’s appointment points towards the development of younger players, and with Alfie Bates, Sam Perry and Tom Leak all getting more game time, youth seems to be the way to go.

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