Released and Retained: Several Youth Prospects Set to Depart

As we near the end of the 2017/18 campaign Walsall FC have begun to shape their squads ahead of a summer which is likely to see plenty of comings and goings as manager Dean Keates looks to avoid another season of struggle.

Bescot Banter understands that the majority of the club's second-year scholars including Brandon Ganley, Stefan Mason, Cody Fisher, Ben Kendrick, Dan O'Sullivan, Ethan Freemantle and striker Joe Cairns have been informed that they will not be offered professional contracts and will be free to find new clubs over the summer months.

Young striker Dylan Parker, who joined the club on a short-term deal earlier this season after impressing for Stratford Town, has been offered a short-term professional contract with the youngster set to remain at the club for at least the next three months.

We would like to wish players who are set to depart al the best for the future. Hopefully they will be able to secure clubs ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.