Walsall Football Club's newest recruit Anthony Forde has today spoken of his delight at being given the opportunity to join the club, and has discussed his hopes of gaining promotion to the Championship.20-year-old Ballingarry-born Forde joined the Saddlers on a two-year contact earlier this week after agreeing a free-transfer from local rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Anthony said; “Straight away I wanted to come. Once I knew they were interested in signing me, it was an easy decision.
“I've played against Walsall a few times before and I have seen them play good football. Everyone has spoken of them highly.
“Obviously I spoke to the gaffer here and the club appealed to me. I'm delighted to be here. It’s a good club – everyone knows that. The way they play football is good and that caught my eye. And it is also just the way the place is. When I came in I could tell what it was like.
“I don’t really know any of the lads but they have all made me feel really welcome. I came in one day to train and, even though I was only here for a few hours, I could tell it was a good bunch of lads. I enjoyed it and it made the decision a bit easier.
“I can’t wait to get the season going, I’m looking forward to the challenge. I hope I can create many goals and score some.
"For the team it is about getting towards the play-offs and getting promoted – that is the main thing isn't it?”
Anthony joined Wolves in the summer of 2009 after over a decade with home town club Ballingarry AFC, and became part of the clubs youth academy.
He went on to make his senior debut in August 2011 as a substitute in a League Cup tie against Northampton Town, and his Premier League debut in November 2011 against Chelsea.
Anthony made a total of 20 first-team appearances for Wolves and also had a spell on loan with Scunthorpe United, along with various Republic of Ireland youth level appearances, including Under-19's and Under-21's.