First-team coach on the emerging talent at the club...
FIRST-team coach, Richard O'Kelly, has heaped praise on the development group of players at the club, in the 18 to 21 age group.The emerging youngsters are flying high in the Reserve League and chalked up an impressive 1-0 victory over leaders, Wigan Athletic, whose only two defeats this term have come at the hands of The Saddlers, on Wednesday as they continue to make pleasing progress.
"These lads are improving all of the time and it all bodes well for the future of the club," he said. "The facilities that they have at their disposal and the work that they do on the training pitch and in video analysis and sports science can only help to improve them.
"They also benefit from playing in games such as the one on Wednesday when we came up against technically-strong opposition.
"It's all about trying to produce players that can step up into the first-team and I must say that each one of our under-21 group has a fantastic attitude and a real willingness to work hard and take on board what they are told.
"They try to do things the right way and I have been impressed by the qualities that they have displayed.
"The message to local non-League clubs is to come and have a look at these boys with a view to taking them on loan during these final months of the season.
"It's a win-win situation for all concerned; the lads get to play regular, competitive football, whilst the club will be getting a youngster who wants to learn and develop."