As Walsall Football Club begin to look ahead to the 2015/16 campaign, we take a look at four of the things we'd like to see happen over the summer break. Whilst much more can be done, these are just a few of the actions we would like to see the club explore.
1 - SECURE THE FUTURES OF THE 'CORE' PLAYERS
Walsall manager Dean Smith continued to built a fairly strong core last season with Romaine Sawyers, Paul Downing, and the sadly injured Sam Mantom being joined by Tom Bradshaw, Jordan Cook and Anthony Forde, giving the squad a level of quality that it has not seen for quite some time.Obviously everyone would've liked a few more bodies in the team with the much sought after 'plan B' proving difficult to find, hopefully the recent contract extensions for Rico Henry Amadou Bakayoko and Paul Downing are just the beginning for Stefan Gamble and Dean Smith as they continue to negotiate with several first-team stars.
2 - CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE TRAINING GROUND
Since opening in 2008 Walsall's Essington Training Ground has undergone much improvement, including updates to the playing surfaces, and the installation of new gym equipment.
The 15-acre site in Broad Lane cost £800,000 and contains state-of-the-art facilities, which include full-sized pitches plus training areas. Also incorporated on site are changing rooms, a gymnasium, physio’s room and canteen.
We'd like to see the club exploring further updates to the physiotherapy and rehabilitation side of things, as seen with 2013/14 Player of the Season Sam Mantom and 2014/15 top-scorer Tom Bradshaw, injuries can take a major toll on a season, and we'd like the club to be ahead of the curve when it comes to injury recovery.
3 - CONNECT WITH LOCAL PEOPLE
Over recent years Walsall Football Club has sought to re-connect with the people of the town, we however believe that more can be done to increase awareness, and maybe lure the so-called stayaways back to the club.
Obviously some of the 'former' fans are unreachable, however we believe that the lion-share are still within the club's reach.
A more town-centric approach must be explored, other than the sign pointing to Banks's Stadium there is barely any mention of the club in the town centre, this must be reversed, the usage of advertising is essential to getting your message across and despite recent strides we believe more can be done, including the exploration of pop-up shops and more.
Along with the above, signs of investment and the much touted 'ambition' would surely show positive signs for those who are watching from afar.
A more town-centric approach must be explored, other than the sign pointing to Banks's Stadium there is barely any mention of the club in the town centre, this must be reversed, the usage of advertising is essential to getting your message across and despite recent strides we believe more can be done, including the exploration of pop-up shops and more.
Along with the above, signs of investment and the much touted 'ambition' would surely show positive signs for those who are watching from afar.
4 - LINK UP WITH LOCAL SIDES
Walsall Football Club is blessed with many fine towns and clubs within a fairly short distance of the Banks's Stadium.
Clubs such as Walsall Wood, Rushall Olympic, Chasetown, Lichfield City and Hednesford Town are just a few of the sides who play within a very short distance and we'd like to see the Saddlers link-up with at least one local side and use the opportunity to give some of the club's youth prospects some first-team football in the gritty, competitive lower leagues.
The Saddlers have recently sent players such as Amadou Bakayoko and Kieron Morris out on loan to gain experience but other than the Reserves playing at Chasetown's Scholars Ground there doesn't appear to be an actual agreement between the club and another side, we can see nothing but positives were a deal to be agreed.
The Saddlers have recently sent players such as Amadou Bakayoko and Kieron Morris out on loan to gain experience but other than the Reserves playing at Chasetown's Scholars Ground there doesn't appear to be an actual agreement between the club and another side, we can see nothing but positives were a deal to be agreed.