After a disappointing few years, which saw The Saddlers drop out of League One and make little impression in League Two over the last three seasons, renewed hope has arrived at Bescot Stadium.
Alongside new Head Coach Michael Flynn, who took over the reigns in February 2022, numerous changes have been implemented this year.
In addition to new owners in the form of the Trivela Group, a board re-shuffling and new commercial partners, including stadium sponsor Poundland, it’s been a busy summer for the club with a raft of new signings aiming to reinvigorate the Bescot boys for the new season.
Even the club’s social media has received an overhaul with fans enjoying fresh and creative content that has teased each of this summer’s new signings.
Though there’s still plenty of time for more signings before the 2022/23 season starts on July 30, 13 new players have joined the club.
Walsall’s Summer Signings – 2022
| Name | Position | Age | Contract length | Previous Club |
| Owen Evans | Goalkeeper | 25 | 2 years | Cheltenham |
| Adam Przybek | Goalkeeper | 22 | 1 year | Wycombe Wanderers |
| Peter Clarke | Defender | 40 | 1 year | Tranmere Rovers |
| Oisin McEntee | Defender | 21 | 2 years | Newcastle Utd |
| Liam Gordon | Defender | 23 | 2 years | Bolton Wanderers |
| Liam Bennett | Defender | 20 | Season loan | Cambridge Utd |
| Joe Riley | Defender | 25 | 2 years | Carlisle Utd |
| Brandon Comley | Midfielder | 26 | 2 years | Dagenham |
| Isaac Hutchinson | Midfielder | 22 | 1 year | Derby |
| Flynn Clarke | Midfielder | 19 | Season loan | Norwich City |
| Taylor Allen | Midfielder | 21 | 1 year | Forest Green |
| Andy Williams | Striker | 35 | 1 year | Cheltenham |
| Douglas James Taylor | Striker | 20 | Season loan | Stoke City |
While fans wait patiently in the hope of one or two more new strikers, it shows a firm intent by Michael Flynn, the board and the new owners that they’re committed to change and to shift the momentum in a club that has been on a downhill slide for a number of years.
Expectation is growing around the club for the new season and there appears to be plenty of reason for Walsall fans to be excited about the future.
Ultimately, it will be on the pitch where fans will want to see results and The Saddlers will be hoping for a strong start to the new season. With the new fixtures for 2022/23 now released, the team has the perfect opportunity to continue the momentum of the summer with a strong performance at the Poundland Bescot Stadium against Hartlepool United on July 30.
Timeline of Significant Changes at Walsall – 2022
- 15 February – Michael Flynn appointed Head Coach
- 22 February – Wayne Hatsell appointed Assistant Head Coach
- 22 March – Rob Williams appointed as Academy Manager
- 30 March – New food offerings appear at Bescot in the form of the Punjabi Grill
- 30 March – Walsall team up with The Fan Experience Company to increase fan engagement
- 14 April – Jamie Fullerton steps down as Technical Director
- 27 April – Poundland announced as new principal partner
- 23 May – New online store launches
- 25 May – Walsall sign Liam Gordon
- 27 May – Walsall sign Oisin McEntee
- 30 May – Walsall team up with new pouring partner, Molson Coors
- 6 June – New owners announced as Trivela Group
- 9 June – The Saddlers partner with Phoenix Consortium
- 10 June – Walsall re-launch season ticket Early Bird campaign following demand
- 13 June – Walsall sign Joe Riley
- 15 June – Walsall sign Andy Williams
- 15 June – Walsall sign Liam Bennett on loan
- 20 June – Walsall sign Taylor Allen
- 20 June – Walsall sign Brandon Comley
- 21 June – Walsall sigh Adam Przbek
- 21 June – Walsall sign Owen Evans
- 21 June – Kaleidoscope Plus Group become official charity partner
- 22 June – Restructing of board of directors confirmed
- 22 June – Walsall sign Isaac Hutchinson
- 30 June – Walsall announce number of season tickets sold is best for 18 years – 3,000
- 30 June – New Head of Coaching and Goalkeeping announced for the Academy – Lee Rostron and Thomas James
- 1 July – Walsall sign Douglas James Taylor
- 6 July – Black Country Lifeline become official charity partner
- 11 July – Walsall sign Flynn Clarke