Lee Grant sets development focus as Walsall prioritise permanent signings | OneFootball

Lee Grant says one of his aims at Walsall is to keep player development at the heart of his work, with a refreshed squad built largely on permanent signings.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club have earned a reputation for giving youngsters chances in the past three seasons, particularly through loans, and have also profited from Isaac Hutchinson, Taylor Allen, David Okagbue and Connor Barrett departing for fees.

10 of the 13 summer arrivals were permanent, and Grant is keen to help this group progress over his tenure. He said the club have worked to secure more of their own players this year, noting that doing so is not straightforward.

He added that those recruited want to be at Walsall because they expect good work and a clear focus on development. He pointed to recent young player awards and individual progress as examples that players recognise.

Walsall now have 11 players under contract beyond this season, and hold option years on five of the 10 whose deals expire next summer.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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