Walsall are taking a close look at a former Colchester United goalkeeper, after a trial period at National League Champions Chesterfield.
The League Two side have had a reasonably quiet transfer window to date, compared to their competitors, with the addition of just five players. Josh Gordon and Charlie Lakin made the move from League One Burton Ablion, Connor Barrett joined from Fylde in the National League as well as Stoke City duo David Okagbue and Tommy Simkin linking up with Mat Sadler’s side.
However, they could be set to add another goalkeeper to the mix, after losing both Jackson Smith and Owen Evans this transfer window. Former Bradford City shot-stopper Sam Hornby has been on trial with Walsall, according to the Express and Star (paywall), after spending the initial part of the transfer window training with Chesterfield.
The 29-year-old has found himself without a club after being released by Danny Cowley’s Colchester United as the former Lincoln boss continues his squad overhaul.
Hornby has had an extensive career to date, having played for Burton Albion, Brackley, Kidderminster, Chester, Port Vale, Bradford City, Fylde and Solihull Moors and boasts 179 career appearances. However, he has spent much of his career as a number two, and has only recorded over 30 league appearances once in his career (2016/17 for Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North).
Would this be a solid addition to Walsall’s squad?
Sadler is certainly having a close look at the shot stopper, giving him ample opportunity to impress and earn a move. He has an abundance of experience and appears to be more than happy to feature as a backup in a squad.
With the season fast approaching and just Tommy Simkin and George Barrett on the books in the goalkeeping department, the addition of an experienced pro could be a wise addition, especially with the absence of any transfer fee. This free transfer would allow them to spend their funds elsewhere as the look to improve on what was ultimately a lacklustre season last time out. They finished the league five points and five places below the play-offs failing to mount a serious challenge despite some promising moments.
They are set to launch their League Two campaign at home to Morecambe on Saturday, 10th August 2024.