Walsall boss Mat Sadler is delighted Douglas James-Taylor has achieved fan-favourite status during his loan in the League of Ireland, as reported by The Express and Star.
James-Taylor has been in excellent form for Drogheda United and is preparing for the FAI Cup Final on Sunday.
Fan Favourite Status Achieved
The 22-year-old made his Drogs debut in a draw with eventual champions Shelbourne and scored a late equaliser to make it 1-1.
He continued his fine start to life in Ireland, scoring six times in his opening seven league fixtures, including the opener in a 7-0 thrashing of Sligo Rovers.
Sadler is delighted with how his young striker has been received by the local community.
“He’s become a bit of a crowd favourite up there. I’ve seen some videos of him going into schools to real acclaim.”
FAI Cup Goal Hero
Alongside his league form, James-Taylor has fired six goals in just four cup appearances.
He secured a hattrick in the 9-0 third-round demolition of Wilton United and added a further two to his tally in the quarter-final victory over Athlone Town.
The Walsall striker went a long way to achieving hero status with the fans when he scored in the dramatic semi-final win over Wexford, a victory that set up Sunday’s final showdown with Derry City.
Huge End To The Irish Season
James-Taylor is set to end his season in Ireland with two massively important fixtures. Sunday’s cup final at the Aviva Stadium is to be followed by next weekend’s Premier Division relegation playoff against Bray Wanderers.
Sadler is delighted his loanee will experience the pressures of such big games.
“Two wonderful games for him to experience before the close of the season. Both will be keenly watched by everyone here. There are a load of staff going to the game on Sunday.”
Writer’s View
This is almost the perfect loan spell for a young striker; goals and pressure games to play in. Walsall will be delighted with how the spell has gone.
James-Taylor will be hopeful this spell will lead to more opportunities with his parent club and will look to build on the 26 appearances he made last season.
