Walsall Football Club are pleased to announce that defender Callum Cockerill-Mollett has today signed a new deal with the Saddlers.
The 21-year-old made 15 appearances in all competitions, including nine in the league, his best to date for the club, and despite an injury setback last season, the versatile left-footer is looking to push on next season.
“I’m obviously delighted and I’m happy to be here,” said Cockerill-Mollett.
“I am looking forward to next season. There has been a bit of a break now and I had quite a big injury layoff, so I am really happy to get the new deal sorted and hopefully I can get some game time next season.
“Last season it was a new squad so everyone was getting to know each other and each others games but this season we have keep a nucleus of players.
“We should now know how each other play because we have had near enough a full season together so I am hoping that it is going to be a good season.”
Cockerill-Mollett’s last appearance for the Saddlers came back in January away at Salford in a 2-1 win and whilst being frustrated with the injury that he picked up, he accepted that these things happen in football and it’s all about getting on with it and bouncing back.
“When you train every day and you work really hard to get that opportunity, it is frustrating,” he continued.
“When you then take that opportunity to become a first team regular, because I managed to get quite a few games on the bounce and then I got injured, it came at a bad time really, I felt like I was just about to hit a good bit of form.
“The timing wasn’t great but these things happen in football and you have just got to get on with it and work hard behind the scenes with the likes of Rev (Marc Czuczman - first team physio) who has really helped me out with going to see the top quality specialists and doctors.
“When I was in the youth team, I did play at left centre half a few times but very rarely.
“The gaffer saw my defensive qualities last season and thought that I would fit in that role quite well and I actually quite enjoyed it.
"I felt as though it was actually one of my best positions to play in. I would take that as my first position but it is a little easier in a three because there is more cover there for you.”
Following the decision to award the Cockerill-Mollett with a new deal, manager Darrell Clarke has now challenged the youngester to go on and establish himself as a first team regular this season.