Newly appointed Head Coach Mat Sadler, who replaced Michael Flynn in the dugout on Thursday afternoon, has wasted little time in beginning his preparations for the Saddlers' 2023/24 Sky Bet League Two campaign.Following a dismal 2022/23, Sadler, who took charge of three games as interim boss towards the end of the season, has plenty of hard work ahead of him if he is to rebuild the team ahead of the opening day in early August.
The club has confirmed that Liam Kinsella, Conor Wilkinson, Andy Williams, Jacob Maddox, Peter Clarke, Timmy Abraham, Joss Labadie, Manny Monthé, Hayden White, Sam Perry, and Jonas Mukuna have been released.
Meanwhile, Jamille Matt, Ronan Maher, Joe Riley, Isaac Hutchinson, Tom Knowles, Liam Gordon, Brandon Comley, Oisin McEntee, Owen Evans, Rollin Menayese, and club captain Donervon Daniels remain under contract in WS1.
The Club also confirmed that it has offered a new contract to Joe Foulkes, who has completed a successful season-long loan at Kidderminster Harriers which culminated in their promotion to the National League, with Jack Earing has also been offered a new short-term deal as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Talks are ongoing with Taylor Allen whilst second-year Scholar, Marvellous Onabirekhanlen, has been offered a first professional contract.
Co-chairman Ben Boycott sought to thank the departing players for their hard work during their time in the Black Country, he said; "I’d like to personally thank each player whose contract has ended for their hard work on behalf of the football club, especially Liam Kinsella, who represented the club over 250 times.
"We wish them all well. The players under contract represent a good starting point for the 23/24 season. We will be building around them with a fresh start under our new Head Coach - in line with the football culture and strategy that we are putting in place.
"Mat Sadler will be backed this summer as we implement our new recruitment processes, as we will be bringing in new players and also looking at contract extensions for some of our current squad, to continue to build on this foundation for 23/24 and beyond."
STILL UNDER CONTRACT
Owen Evans, Liam Gordon, Donervon Daniels, Oisin McEntee, Rollin Menayese, Joe Riley. Brandon Comley, Tom Knowles, Isaac Hutchinson, Ronan Maher, Jamille Matt
RETURNING TO PARENT CLUBS
Jackson Smith (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joe Low (Bristol City), Robbie Willmott (Newport County), Yann Songo'o (Bradford City), Douglas James-Taylor (Stoke City), Matty Stevens (Forest Green Rovers)
RELEASED
Liam Kinsella, Conor Wilkinson, Andy Williams, Jacob Maddox, Peter Clarke, Timmy Abraham, Joss Labadie, Manny Monthé, Hayden White, Sam Perry, Jonas Mukuna
OFFERED NEW DEALS
Taylor Allen, Joe Foulkes
OFFERED FIRST PROFESSIONAL DEAL
Marvellous Onabirekhanlen