Saddlers striker Morgan Ferrier believes the addition of experienced defender Russell Martin will help drive the team and himself forward this season.
Martin, 32, was brought into the first team fold on Saturday with on-loan defender Jack Fitzwater out injured, and it was clear for all to see the tactical awareness that he portrayed on the pitch.
In a game that the Saddlers won 3-2, Ferrier felt as though Martin’s leadership helped the team see the win out in the end.
“I thought it was a brilliant battle between Russ and Akinfenwa,” said Ferrier. “Russ brings so much experience and in the squad that is what we are dying for.
“We need someone who has been there and seen it because we have got quite a young team.
“I feel like in games you can see sometimes we need an older head, someone with a bit of experience to help us over the line.
“I feel that Russ will bring that on and off the pitch, it’s brilliant to have him.”
Not only does Ferrier think that the leadership of Martin will help build the team, but he is hopeful that his experiences in non-league football will help him out on a personal level also.
“He has played so many games in the Premier League and Championship and ultimately that is where I want to go.
“If I can get any tips from him and he can help me having picked up things from the strikers he has played with, if he can give me any tips, I will take it.”