Walsall manager Dean Smith has today praised the impact of former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell has had since arriving at Banks's Stadium last summer...Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said: “I think the goalkeeper is always important because - and I say this having been a defender myself - you look over your shoulder and you want the safety blanket, he has certainly given us that.
“What he showed when he came in pre-season was a lot of potential and he has worked really hard to get better.
“He is by no means the finished article and he has agreed with that. But it’s a testament to him how hard he has worked with Neil Cutler.”
25 year-old O'Donnell, who signed a new 18-month Saddlers contract in January, is a product of the Sheffield Wednesday Academy, and made his first-team debut in 2006. Richard made just a handful of appearances for the Owls and spent several spells on loan at various clubs, including, amongst others, Oldham Athletic, Grimsby Town and Macclesfield Town.
Richard joined the Saddlers on trial last summer and was quickly signed to an initial one-year deal, he went on to make over fifty appearances last season.
You can read the full Express & Star article, HERE.
