Walsall youngster Tobias Hayles-Docherty signs first pro deal

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Banks’s Stadium until the summer of 2019.

Despite still being a scholar last season, Hayles-Docherty featured in a number of Jon Whitney’s squads towards the end of the campaign and made his first-team debut against Port Vale.

He also played a starring role in the Saddlers development squad that won both the Central League North West division and the Walsall Senior Cup.

And the youngster thanked development coaches John Ward and Graham Biggs for the role they have played in him earning his first pro deal.

“I’m really happy,” Hayles-Docherty said. “This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time and to be given the opportunity is really good.

“John and Graham have helped me a lot because they’ve allowed me to play with freedom and express myself. It gives me confidence going into games because it allows me to do what I do.

“I see myself as a winger - I like to get in the final third, get at players and create chances for the team. I like to make things happen.”

Whitney admitted he is delighted to have tied down Hayles-Docherty to professional terms - with fellow scholars Cameron Peters, Sam Tonks and Will Shorrock also having been offered professional contracts.

“Tobias is one of several young second-year scholars to impress us,” the boss said.

“He’s a player who catches the eye with natural pace and ability, and he’s also tasted first-team football this year, making his full debut against Port Vale.

“He’s a young player that we have really high hopes for.”

Meanwhile, Peterborough have signed Stockport winger Danny Lloyd – a player Walsall scouted last season.

The 25-year-old completed a move to London Road after scoring 29 goals and registering 20 assists for The Hatters last season.

Speaking back in April Whitney confirmed Lloyd was a player he sent coach Ian Sharps to watch but said it was unlikely the Saddlers would move for him.