You could say that this past week has been a rather unpleasant one for us Saddlers fans to endure off the pitch, as each day; the vital pieces of last season’s attacking jigsaw have decided that their futures lie elsewhere.
In truth, all three departures have come as no real surprise to supporters with increased speculation coming to light, days in advance of the transfers ultimately being confirmed.
The first player to leave the Banks’s Stadium was former Manchester United youngster Febian Brandy. The 24-year-old, who had up until now, experienced a very unstable career in the game, was disappointingly snapped up by fellow League One outfit Sheffield United, after he rejected the offer of a new contract with the Saddlers.
The lively striker, who began the season with limited success, went on to score seven goals in 37 appearances for Walsall. A player who was seemingly only interested in a move to the Championship meant that his decision to relocate to the Steel City, agreeing a three-year deal in the process, came as a huge blow to Dean Smith.
The next player to decide that he didn’t like the new Walsall shirt was a certain ‘International Superstar.’ Only yesterday did confirmation of Will Grigg’s move to Brentford become apparent as the Northern Ireland international also signed a three-year contract.
The 21-year-old, who this season became the first player since Jorge Leitao in 2001 to reach 20 goals, was reportedly offered a four-year deal by Dean Smith to stay in WS1 but ultimately decided that West London was the place to be...
So, to top off a week of outgoings, the news officially broke yesterday of Jamie Paterson’s move to the East Midlands and in the process join Championship club Nottingham Forest. Out of all the recent departures, this probably came as the biggest shock as there wasn't too much inkling from many that he would be leaving this summer, with a year still to run on his contract.
Unfortunately, Huddersfield’s initial interest in the player could have potentially sparked a bit of transfer frenzy. The 13 goal winger from last season again agreed a three-year deal.
How can we benefit from the departures then? Well, with Will Grigg being under the age of 21, we are entitled to fee, which will no doubt be unjust, decided by a tribunal. It has been reported this week that Dean Smith will be aiming for £1m from the Grigg sale, which we will be very lucky to receive that sum. Equally, it could turn out to be a very big gamble for Brentford if it doesn’t pay off.
In Paterson’s case, it has been reported that Nottingham Forest will pay the Saddlers an initial six-figure sum for the Coventry born winger, rising to a potential £1m if Forest achieve promotion to the Premier League.
It leaves Dean Smith without his front line from last season and takes a huge chunk of goals with it. But with the funds generated from these sales, the board have promised that the money will be reinvested back into the squad and I hope this will be the case.
It’s not all doom a gloom though. With the majority of the midfield and defence already in place, I trust that Dean Smith will be able to repeat his successes through the transfer window and the youth system. There are of course talented players out there, with Febian Brandy being a prime example of what can be achieved under good management.
Finally, there was a lot of talk about why players weren't being offered longer contracts at the time they were signed by the club. It would not have benefited the club in any way if we had offered an unproven Febian Brandy a three-year deal last summer, particular with his injury record. It could have easily been a disastrous waste of money for the club, who in my eyes cannot be blamed for a number of reasons.
However, it is unfortunate that two players who did graduate through the youth academy have moved on so quickly but it must mean we are doing something right as we bring through the next crop of youngsters.
I’m sure the majority of the fans will get behind Dean Smith and the club during the next few months and hopefully we can enjoy the 2013/14 season.
By: Jack Hansford