Walsall suffered a HUGE loss to their promotion hopes over the past week, seeing one of their star players, 19 year-old forward, Nathan Lowe, recalled by his parent club, Stoke City. Lowe scored 15 goals and contributed 5 assists for the Saddlers in just 22 games across the start of the 2024/25 season.
I think The Saddlers will look to replace the Stoke City man in the January Transfer Window.
In this piece I have decided to take a look at 3 players Mat Sadler could bring to The Bescot Stadium this January to replace the fairly large loss of top-scorer, Nathan Lowe. I think Sadler will look to bring in a well-rounded forward who can work well alongside the physical Jamille Matt.
I hope all enjoy the read and I would love to hear the thoughts of Walsall fans. Do you agree with my 3 suggestions to replace Nathan Lowe. Please share the blog around and give any feedback on the piece. Enjoy!
Dominic Ballard
Suggestion number one of the blog comes from the South Coast, with highly rated Southampton forward, Dom Ballard. The former England youth international has spent this season out on loan in League One, with Blackpool. However, the 19 year-old struggled to perform to a high standard, scoring just once for The Tangerines in 18 League One games.
He was recently recalled by The Saints, continuing his excellent goalscoring records for their youth sides, with 3 goals and an assist in just 2 Premier League 2 games. Ballard has proven his quality in the age restricted leagues for four/five years now, as shown below.
After struggling at Blackpool this season, under both Steve Bruce and Neil Critchley, I think a move into League Two could be just what Ballard needs to build his form and reputation in senior football. Walsall is the perfect place for him to do this. Sadler has such a settled squad there, with an excellent strike-partner in place for anyone who arrives at The Midlands side. They are top of the league and absolutely flying. I think this would be the perfect move for all parties involved.
Ballard is a forward I really like because of his balanced skillset as a centre forward. I think his qualities matchup similarly to those of Nathan Lowe, something Walsall should take into account when recruiting a forward, so nothing changes from a tactical point of view.
The former Reading striker has always been such a natural finisher, displaying his composure with all types of finishes. Right foot. Left foot. Excellent in the air as well. He is always willing to change his game up, having the ability to look for the ball to feet and be a link between the midfield and attack, or spin in behind the opposition defence. He’s extremely quick and tough to deal with for defenders.
Joseph Gardner
My second suggestion of a forward The Saddlers could look to sign, as a replacement for Nathan Lowe is another option on loan from a Premier League side. Joe Gardner is a wonderful goalscorer in Nottingham Forest’s Premier League 2 side but has made just one appearance in senior football, in the FA Cup last season.
As I mentioned previously, Gardner is yet to have a senior loan into professional football but as a 19 year-old, he is coming into the stage in his career where senior minutes are so important for a players development. Forrest are reportedly looking to send Gardner on loan for the remainder of the season. I don’t think there are many better places for the young talent, than a high-flying Walsall side.
Joe Gardner is having an impressive breakthrough campaign in Forrest’s Under-21s side, scoring six goals and assisting twice in just eleven games. He’s displayed his well-rounded abilities in abundance for Warren Joyce’s side this season, showing levels of superb finishing and composure when he gets into goalscoring positions.
As I mentioned when writing about the Dom Ballard suggestion, if Walsall are to replace Nathan Lowe, they will want a forward who can partner alongside Jamille Matt in a 3-5-2 formation. In The Saddlers 4-2 win against MK Dons, on Saturday 18th January, Albert Adomah played as the second striker alongside Matt, proving that Walsall need another Number 9 in this Transfer Window.
He brings similar qualities to his game from those of Nathan Lowe. He’s willing to run in behind, using his pace and strikers instinct to pick up brilliant areas in and around the penalty area. He always has the physical qualities to give short options and link the play.
Tom Cursons
My first two suggestions of this blog piece were loans from Premier League clubs, players who need game time to develop themselves. For my third and final suggestion, I’ve gone with a bit of a rogue shout: Tom Cursons of Ilkeston Town, who sit in the playoffs of The Northern Premier Division (Step 3 of Non-League).
The 23 year-old forward is having a superb season for Ilkeston Town, scoring an impressive 22 goals for The Robins in the first half of the 2024/25 season. A handful of top League One clubs have been rumoured to be interested in Cursons but game time is something he will be wanting. Walsall could offer this straight away.
Walsall have proven a willingness to recruit from non-league before and with great success as well. Two of their most important, valuable players so far this season were recruited from the non-league system; Jamie Jellis from Tamworth and Connor Barrett from AFC Fylde, just to name a couple.
Cursons is one of, if not THE MOST wanted players below The National League system (Step 1+2) currently and it’s clear to see why. A fantastic forward who scores all types of goals from all over the pitch. He’s got an excellent physical profile, using his pace and strength to power through and hold opponents off. He has a wonderful composure and awareness to take an extra touch if needed, putting off defenders or the goalkeeper.
He is a complete-forward, similar to Nathan Lowe, who can change his game up to suit his teammates. He’s excellent in the air and works extremely hard to create chances for himself and his teammates. He’s excellent in the air but has a great control of the ball when it’s at his feet. Can score with either foot as well.
As a scout in non-league, I would love to see another gem step up into the Football League and thrive. Tom Cursons is the perfect profile of player to have the ability to step up.
Thankyou for reading! I would appreciate any feedback or support on the blog, either commenting on this piece or through social media. I hope you enjoyed the read.
Who would you sign if you had the chance to make the decision and what do you think of my THREE suggestions?
Callum Hallett 
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