Centre-back hoping to play more games for the first-team...
Young defender Kory Roberts has credited the club’s coaching staff with helping him grow in confidence.As well as featuring twice for the senior side, the 19-year-old has also captained the Saddlers’ Development Squad to the Central League North West Division title this term.
And the centre-back believes first-team boss Jon Whitney and Professional Development Coach John Ward have played a significant role in his progression over the past year.
“The club gives young people opportunities,” said Roberts.
“The manager has been great with me – he’s given me a lot of confidence and told me ways I can improve.
“With John Ward on the development side as well, he’s given me the captain’s armband and that’s also helped build up my confidence. It’s a big responsibility.”
The academy graduate signed a new contract on Wednesday that will keep him at the Banks’s until at least 2019.
And having had a taste of first-team football this season, Roberts is hoping to feature more over the next two years.
“It feels great to put pen to paper with Walsall,” he added.
“It was amazing playing earlier in the season - a proud moment for me and my family – and I’d like to get back in the first-team as soon as possible.
“That’s my target - to play as many games as possible for the first-team over the next two years.”