Walsall head coach Lee Grant has explained the decision to leave midfielder Ronan Maher out of the club's official 25-man squad, confirming plans are in motion for the young player to secure a loan move. The 21-year-old, who missed pre-season through injury, was an unused substitute in the Saddlers' recent 1-1 draw away to Crewe Alexandra but will now seek regular football elsewhere.
Grant spoke to the Express & Star, with his comments later reported by Bescot Banter. He outlined the club's thinking regarding Maher's immediate future. "With Ronan, we’ve got a lot of good players in the building," Grant said. The manager stressed that Maher is a talented individual who needs consistent match action to develop, something he is unlikely to get in a crowded Walsall midfield this season.
Why was Ronan Maher left out?
Ronan Maher's absence from the submitted squad list is a tactical decision centred on his development. After working hard to regain fitness following a pre-season injury setback, the young midfielder found himself in a competitive group. Grant believes the next critical step for Maher is to play week in, week out at a competitive level. Being part of the Saddlers' matchday squad without guaranteed minutes is not seen as the optimal path for his progression at this stage of his career.
Grant was full of praise for the player's attitude and ability. "He's a really talented young player," the head coach stated. The plan, therefore, is clear and pragmatic. Walsall intends to help a temporary move for Maher where he can be a central figure, rather than a peripheral one. The club is actively working with the player and his representatives to find a suitable destination that offers the right level of competition and playing time.
What is the plan for his development?
The immediate strategy is to secure a loan spell for Ronan Maher. Lee Grant confirmed that discussions are ongoing to make this happen. "We’ll have to wait and see, but hopefully something materialises that can be of benefit to him and his next steps," Grant told the Express & Star. This approach is common for promising young players who need to bridge the gap between academy football and regular first-team action.
A successful loan would allow Maher to build on the fitness and sharpness he regained after his injury. It provides a platform to demonstrate his ability in a competitive environment, with the long-term aim of returning to Walsall as a more experienced and ready option. Fans can track the movement of all squad players, including any potential departures, on the official squad page.
How does this fit Walsall's current context?
This decision comes as Walsall prepares for a new campaign following a 13th-place finish in England League Two last season. The team ended the 2025/26 season with 65 points from 46 games, recording 18 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses. Their final five matches yielded a form of LLWLL. Offensively and defensively, they were perfectly balanced but ultimately mid-table, scoring 56 goals and conceding 56 for a zero goal difference.
The Saddlers finished the previous season 22 points behind champions Bromley. With a new season on the horizon, Grant is shaping a squad he believes can improve on that position. Managing the development of younger players like Maher while maintaining a competitive group for the league campaign is a key part of that process. Supporters looking ahead can view the full fixtures list for the upcoming season.
What happens next for Maher?
The focus now shifts to finding the right club for Ronan Maher's loan move. The outcome of these talks will determine where the midfielder spends the coming months. For Walsall, it represents a careful investment in a player's future, with the hope that he returns more equipped to challenge for a spot. The club's recent standings show the competitive nature of League Two, underscoring why every squad decision is made with both immediate and long-term objectives in mind. The final details of Maher's temporary move are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
