Return to Bescot
Joe Foulkes, 23, will walk down memory lane when he returns to Bescot Stadium on Saturday with Grimsby Town. The former Walsall right‑back, who joined the club through its youth ranks, made 23 appearances across all competitions under manager Mat Sadler during the 2023‑24 season. After being released at the end of that campaign, Foulkes has climbed back into the Football League with Grimsby, who were last season’s play‑off semi‑finalists.
Walsall Experience
Foulkes said he “did really enjoy it” at Walsall, adding that he met “nice people” and learned a lot as a young lad entering League Two. He praised the club’s fans for making him feel welcome and said he had “no complaints” about his time there. “It was a massive boost in confidence to adapt to a new style of play under a new gaffer,” he explained. He will treat the upcoming match as a normal game, keep a level head and hopes to walk away with the three points.
Kidderminster Success
Before joining Walsall, Foulkes spent two seasons on loan at Kidderminster Harriers. He helped the club achieve promotion to the National League in 2023 and repeated the feat by guiding them to play‑off success in the following season. He described the experience as a confidence booster and said he will carry the lessons of the ups and downs into his new role.
New Chapter at Grimsby
Foulkes is privileged to return to the fourth tier and is eager to embrace the challenge at Blundell Park. “Grimsby are a massive club for the level and I look forward to learning new things and just embracing this challenge,” he said. The 23‑year‑old right‑back is ready to play in the Football League again and hopes his experience at Walsall and Kidderminster will help him contribute to Grimsby's ambitions.
