Walsall Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of Douglas James-Taylor on a one-year contract, with the option of a further year.
The striker will officially join on July 1st upon the expiry of his contract with Championship club Stoke City.
James-Taylor returns to the Poundland Bescot Stadium having spent the 2022-23 season with the Saddlers.
He played 30 times in what was his maiden year in the EFL and scored twice, including a memorable stoppage time winner against Carlisle United in the Emirates FA Cup.
The 21-year-old also had spells at Wealdstone and AFC Fylde prior to last year’s loan move with the Saddlers.
Last season was a real learning curve for the striker and he is now looking to getting back to work as he aims push on to the next level.
“It feels good to sign permanently,” James-Taylor said.
“Throughout last season I felt supported by Mat Sadler and when he got the job, he was clear that he wanted me back and it felt right.
“Last season, there were a lot of new experiences for me so having those under my belt, going through tough times with the squad, tough times as an individual player and getting through them, hopefully this season they will be like water off a duck’s back and as a squad, we can really kick on this season.
“My personal aspirations are to be more solidified in the team and that only comes from performances, scoring more goals and that’s something that I was far off what I’m used to last season.
“As a group, there’s a real understanding that last year wasn’t where we need to be and promotion is what we want.”
Head Coach Mat Sadler is looking forward to linking up with James-Taylor again.
“I am pleased for Douglas to sign for us,” Sadler said.
“Douglas is someone who shows extreme potential, he was with us last season, had some brilliant moments, some learning moments and there was more than enough on show of what Douglas is about for me to want to work with him again.
“He is a player that I believe has got a really bright future. He is someone who I have worked hard on over the last few weeks to make sure that we got it done so I am delighted now that it is.
“I am looking forward to working with him through pre-season as he's looked powerful and sharp so far. Hopefully he hits the ground running.”