Youngster shortlisted for League One award...
Second-year scholar Callum Cockerill-Mollett has been nominated for the LFE Apprentice of the Year award for League One.The accolade is given in recognition of players aged between 16 and 18 who have performed well in their academic studies, as well as on the pitch.
“I’m very pleased for Callum,” said Academy Manager Graham Biggs. “To my knowledge, I don’t believe any Walsall apprentices have made the final three before.
The left-back signed his first professional contract with the club in August last year and made his senior debut in the 5-2 Checkatrade Trophy victory over Grimsby later that month, aged 17.
His second Saddlers appearance came in the same competition two months later – a 1-0 win over hometown club Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
The 18-year-old also helped our Development Squad win the Central League North West Division title earlier this term.
Rochdale’s Matthew Gillam and Scunthorpe’s Lewis Butroid complete the three-man shortlist.
“I picked Callum up at 15 when he was playing schoolboy football and he did very well progressing through the U16s.
“He won the U16s’ Player of the Year award and managed to get his pro contract early – and deservedly so.
“He’s captained the U18s all season, played a number of reserve games and been exceptional in what he’s done.
“He’s a very level-headed lad and a good leader. He’s played for the first-team a couple of times and next year will be a testing time for him as he’s going up another level.
“It might take him around 12 months to settle in, but given time I can see him playing regularly for our first-team.”
The annual awards take place in London on Sunday 9th April. For more details, visit: www.eflawards2017.co.uk