Walsall will roll out a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation against Leamington on Saturday, marking Lee Grant's inaugural match in charge and the first glimpse of his tactical blueprint.
Which formation will Grant choose?
Grant has confirmed a preference for a back‑four, but he may still toy with a three‑man defence during the game. The announced line‑up reads: Jed Ward; Rico Browne, Harrison Burke, James Connolly, Mason Hancock; Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper; Albert Adomah, Courtney Clarke, Alex Pattison; Andrew Dallas. This set‑up gives Grant a chance to test both defensive stability and attacking fluidity in a low‑risk pre‑season setting.
Who are the new faces in the squad?
Goalkeeper Jed Ward arrived from Bristol Rovers on a three‑year deal and could start, while Jenson Kilroy remains an option for rotation. At right‑back, Rico Browne-who finished last season in that role-faces competition from Elicha Ahui, and both may see time at centre‑back as Grant experiments. Centre‑back pairing could see Burke, now fit after an ankle injury, partner new signing James Connolly, who joined on a two‑year contract after leaving Crewe Alexandra. Left‑back battle features Mason Hancock against Vincent Harper, both likely to earn minutes.
What does the midfield look like?
The midfield mix blends experience and fresh talent. Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper, and loanee Isaac Moore (from Coventry City) join existing stalwarts Alex Pattison, Ronan Maher, and Courtney Clarke. Winger Albert Adomah, now 38, signed a one‑year extension and will be the sole orthodox wide player, offering a reference point for the younger wide‑men.
Are there any academy prospects to watch?
Grant has already highlighted 17‑year‑old Will Etheridge, who debuted as a late substitute in a 3‑1 loss to Bromley on May 2, becoming the first league debutant from the academy since 2022. The pre‑season could also see Stan Straw, Charlie Wragg, McLloyd Oben, and Paul Makavore get minutes, following the pattern set by former manager Mat Sadler.
Walsall sit 13th in League Two with 65 points from 46 games, recent form LLWLL, and a goal difference of zero after scoring and conceding 56 each. The club remains 22 points adrift of leaders Bromley, who beat Walsall 3‑1 on May 2. These numbers provide context for Grant's early experiments as he seeks to improve a side that has struggled to convert chances into wins.
What does this mean for the season ahead?
While the Leamington match is primarily a fitness exercise, the selections hint at Grant's willingness to blend youth with experience and to keep tactical flexibility. If the back‑four settles quickly, Grant may stick with it for the opening league fixtures. Conversely, any issues in defence could see a shift back to a three‑man line, echoing Sadler’s occasional half‑time switches. The performance of new signings like Connolly and Ward will be closely monitored, as will the development of Etheridge and other academy graduates. The pre‑season will therefore serve as a laboratory for shaping a squad capable of climbing the table and narrowing the gap to Bromley.
How will fans react?
Supporters will be eager to see the new goalkeeper in action and to gauge whether the back‑four provides the solidity needed after a season of mixed results. The inclusion of local talent such as Browne and Hancock should please the fanbase, while the presence of seasoned professionals like Adomah offers a reassuring blend of experience. Grant’s early choices will set the tone for a campaign that aims to turn the recent string of losses into a push for a higher league finish.
