Former Walsall players released: Where are they now?

We take a look at some of the players the Saddlers have released over the past three seasons.

Levi Rowley

Released in May 2016, 19-year-old forward Levi Rowley never made an impact at senior level for Walsall, but eagle-eyed fans may remember him for his brilliant youth strike against Tranmere Rovers.

The goal was so good in fact, that it was nominated for the League Football Education's U18 goal of the month award.

Unfortunately, that was the peak of his career with the Saddlers.

He's now plying his trade for Rugby Town FC, who were this season relegated from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South.

Decision: Good

Jordan Murphy

Making only two appearances for Walsall's senior team, both from the bench - Jordan Murphy was released alongside Rowley in 2016.

The youngster was snapped up from Stourbridge before being sent out on-loan to Worcester City and Kidderminster Harriers.

The forward never bagged a senior goal for the Saddlers, but did lift the Walsall Senior Cup with the club's reserve side, overcoming Chasetown 4-3 - scoring twice.

He now plays for Worcester City, who were this season relegated from the National League North. He scored just six times over the campaign.

Decision: Good

Mal Benning

Released in 2015's clear-out, Malvind Benning made 46 league appearances for the Saddlers, scoring two goals along the way.

Rising through the ranks at the Banks's Stadium, the full-back was highly touted - claiming the Young Player of the Year award in 2014.

Following that peak, he failed to push on though, having a spell on-loan at York early on in 2015, before he was let go in the summer.

He's now taking to the pitch for Mansfield Town and has become a solid player for the Stags, scoring five goals from over 80 appearances.

Decision: Good

Ben Purkiss

One of the players that was part of Walsall's EFL Trophy loss at Wembley in 2015, Ben Purkiss was let go by the Saddlers later on that season.

Spending three years at the Banks's, the 33-year-old defender made over 70 appearances for Walsall but never managed a goal.

After leaving the Saddlers he joined Port Vale, and opened up about his departure, claiming that he and then-Walsall boss Dean Smith had different views about his role as full-back.

Even still, despite being allowed to go forward with more freedom at Vale Park - he's yet to register a goal with the team after two seasons.

Decision: Questionable

Ashley Grimes

A former Manchester United academy product, Ashley Grimes spent one season at Walsall before being let go in 2015.

With a CV consisting of time with Manchester City, Swindon, Millwall and Rochdale among others, the now-30-year-old had plenty of pedigree before getting to the Banks's.

Upon his arrival, boss Dean Smith said: “He has fantastic technical ability and is one of the best finishers that I have seen."

However, after scoring twice in over 30 appearances, the striker was soon out of the club, and joined Barrow.

Since then he's joined Southport, who were relegated from the National League at the end of this season.

Decision: Good

Craig Westcarr

Many Walsall fans will remember Craig Westcarr for his 22 goals for the club after being brought in on-loan, and eventually signed permanently from Chesterfield.

The decision to axe the frontman from the Banks's was certainly a shock considering his goalscoring exploits, but Dean Smith had plans to utilise Romaine Sawyers into the number 10 role.

The 32-year-old joined Portsmouth following his departure from Walsall, before spells with Mansfield and Southport.

Westcarr's now spending his time at Alfreton Town in the National League North.

Decision: Good