Taylor Allen’s move away from Walsall might not grab national headlines, but it’s a departure that tells us plenty about the direction of the club.
The 24-year-old was by no means a world-beater in League Two, yet over time he’d grown into his role and offered a level of consistency few could have predicted based on his early appearances.
Let’s be honest—Allen’s Walsall career didn’t begin with fireworks. His performances were raw and inconsistent, and many fans didn’t see him sticking around long-term. But to his credit, he dug in, developed, and, under Matt Sadler, became one of the few outfielders to improve as last season dragged on. In a squad that mostly underachieved after the turn of the year, Allen at least maintained his standards.
That said, we have to be realistic. He’s now joined a club operating at a higher level, and whether he can step up remains to be seen. For Walsall, the key isn’t whether Allen succeeds or fails elsewhere—it’s how we respond in his absence.
Walsall Must Learn From Allen’s Development
Allen’s trajectory at Walsall is a lesson in patience. Too often, we see players written off after a handful of games. Football is a sport built on form and momentum, and at this level, very few come fully formed. Allen benefitted from being trusted to grow into the role, and that’s something Walsall must continue to do with others.
What frustrates most is the bigger picture. For all the praise aimed at Sadler for developing Allen, it’s hard to overlook the broader regression we saw in the squad from January onwards. Yes, Allen kicked on, but how many of his teammates did the same? A handful, maybe. But too many went backwards.
If we’re going to celebrate Allen’s emergence as a success story, we also need to acknowledge that he was one of the few. That’s not to take anything away from the player, but it should frame our expectations as Evan Weir prepares to take on a larger role.
Weir Needs to Seize His Moment
Let’s talk about Evan Weir. The Irishman is now facing a make-or-break season. He joined last year with a solid pedigree from the League of Ireland and a reputation as a calm, tidy footballer. But if we’re being brutally honest, we haven’t seen enough of him to know what his ceiling looks like.
Injuries, competition, and a team in constant flux didn’t help, but this summer is an opportunity. The departure of Taylor Allen clears a path, both at full-back and potentially as a left-sided option in a back three or five. If Weir is going to show he belongs, it has to be now.
It’s not just about fitness and form—it’s about mentality. Allen showed resilience, even when things weren’t going his way. He earned the trust of the fans because he showed character. That’s the challenge in front of Weir. It’s no longer enough to show flashes or promise in training. He has to deliver when it counts.
Sadler’s Role Cannot Be Overlooked
Matt Sadler is entering dangerous territory. For all the support he’s had, there’s a lingering sense that some fans have lost faith, particularly after the side’s nosedive post-Christmas. Allen’s improvement has been used to prop up arguments in Sadler’s favour, but one example does not outweigh the dozen others who fell flat.
The new season will be pivotal. It’s clear that Walsall aren’t planning to spend big; the days of marquee signings are long gone. The model now is about development, resale, and sustainability. But if that’s the plan, it has to be executed far better than it was last year.
If Weir isn’t the answer, then why is he here? If Sadler is building a team that can’t outspend rivals, then his ability to improve players is non-negotiable. Allen was a success story—but now he’s gone, and the manager has to find the next one. And fast.
The Fans Deserve Clarity and Progress
What stings most isn’t Allen’s exit, it’s the uncertainty. If we were losing a top performer as part of a clear, upward strategy, fans would get behind it. But the mood at the Bescot is uneasy. There’s been little clarity from the board, whispers of financial caution, and a growing belief that we’re drifting rather than building.
Weir’s development, Sadler’s decisions, and the squad’s cohesion all need to improve rapidly. Otherwise, Allen’s departure will be less about evolution and more about erosion.
Because if Allen can walk into a better league and challenge himself, the question Walsall must answer is this: who’s stepping up to fill the void? Right now, Evan Weir’s name is on the whiteboard. He just needs to prove it belongs there.
