Walsall Football Club are delighted to confirm that goalkeeper Liam Roberts has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the club.
The 23-year-old keeper’s new deal keeps him at the Banks’s Stadium until the summer of 2020.
Roberts has been with The Saddlers since the age of 14, coming through the Academy system and breaking into the first-team this season.
The young stopper has developed through the years under the guidance of former goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler and has gone on to make 15 appearances in total for Walsall this term, including 10 League One starts - and Roberts is grateful to the club's staff and manager Jon Whitney for their faith in him.
“It’s unbelievable - it’s a great achievement and I feel very proud and privileged to have signed a new contract,” said Roberts.
“I’ve been here now since I was 14, and it’s been an honour - I’m glad it can continue.
“It gives me a massive confidence boost - getting in the team gave me confidence but knowing I’ve got the backing for the next two-and-a-half years feels great.
“It has been a rollercoaster of a year, to be honest. I’ve had to work hard day-in, day-out, and I feel very honoured that the gaffer and the coaching staff put me in.
“They took a risk and I’ve got to continue now, doing what I’m doing.
“They’ve known me for so long and the faith they’ve shown in me is unbelievable.”
Roberts spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Chester, having previously had spells with Rugby Town, Gresley, Southport and Rainworth Miners Welfare.
Local lad Liam made his debut for The Saddlers first-team in 2016 in a League One game against Millwall and has broken back into the first-team this season, following a string of impressive performances in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier in the season.
And Roberts says he is pleased with how the season is going on a personal level - and is delighted at feeling like part of the first-team squad.
“On a personal level I think this season is going really well,” Roberts added.
“I’m getting games and I’m really enjoying it - that’s the main thing.
“I’m gaining confidence with every game I play, knowing I’m a part of the squad.
“The players and staff have been magnificent - now I’ve stepped into the team and I feel I’ve done well.”