Walsall Football Club are delighted to announce that defender Tom Leak has today signed a new contract with the club.
The 19-year-old spent some time with Bet Victor Southern Premier South side Salisbury FC last season in order to gain some valuable first team experience and he is now hoping that his first taste of men’s football will stand him in good stead for the 2020/21 season with the Saddlers.
“I’m delighted to have signed to be honest with you,” said Leak. “With the current situation that we are in, I am delighted to have got things sorted and to have got it done.
“It was massive for me to go out on loan last season and I think it is what I needed.
“I was stepping up into a mens environment for the first time and challenging myself at that level.
“I thought I did well with it to be fair. I have gained valuable experience from going out on loan.
“In first team football, it means absolutely everything to get the three points on a Saturday.
“The intensity isn’t quite there when you’re with the under 18s and 23s but when you make the step up, you realise just how much it means to get the three points on the board and it made me realise that people need the three points to feed their kids and they can only do that by winning games.”
Leak, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the Saddlers, is hoping that the upcoming campaign can be a successful one for him having seen the opportunities that we’re given to fellow academy graduates Alfie Bates, Joe Willis and Sam Perry last season.
“Seeing how well Alfie, Joe and Sam did last season, gives me massive hope for next season,” he continued.
“Hopefully I can go on and make my debut this year.
“Hopefully I can get in and around the first team, which is my main aim. I want to really push on this season and keep developing and hopefully I can make my debut.”
Assistant and Development manager Brian Dutton has worked closely with Leak in the Development squad during his time with the club and he explained that the young defender earned his new deal because of his fantastic work ethic and application.
“Tom has earned his contract through his unrelenting work ethic and application,” Dutton revealed.
“He cut his teeth with men’s first team football last season with his loan at Salisbury where he thrived.
“He is a player we believe is for the future but we may need to call on him sooner rather than later if he can continue his excellent development.”