Following the news that he'd become the latest player to make the leap from te academy to the professional ranks, Walsall defender Stan Straw has spoken of his desire to make the most of the opportunity afforded to him.A regular starter in the Saddlers' Under-18s, 17-year-old Straw has also made appearances in the Vertu Trophy as well as enjoying short-term loan spells this season, giving him a taste of men's football.
Speaking via the club's official website, Stan said: "It's amazing to have signed my first professional contract, especially at a club like Walsall.
"It's something I've worked towards my whole life, and I'm just so proud of not only myself but everyone around me.
"Football has its ups and downs, of course, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here at Walsall, and I've got a good group of staff and players around me who push me on and have played a big part in getting me to where I am now.
"Rob Williams was very proud of me, and he trusted me, and that really helped me to push on, Martyn has helped me a lot too in passing on bits of information, and Ryan Simmonds has been fundamental in helping me work on my game and techniques, both physically and mentally.
"The group we have at the moment are so good with the younger players - I've sat next to Albert Adomah in the changing room for example and he's had a fantastic career.
"There's Aden Flint in my position who I look up to and I aspire to be like him in the future and then Mason Hancock & Harrison Burke have been really good to me too when I've been with them, they’ve made me feel like one of their own which is a nice feeling.
"The supporters have also accepted me like one of their own, at Stevenage they were a massive help for me as well as Shrewsbury when I played and it makes a big difference knowing you have their backing when you step onto the pitch - I'm really appreciative of everyone and I'm ready for the challenge ahead."