Knowledge is power for Saddlers’ Gordon
JOSH GORDON believes the lessons he learnt in his first season in the Football League will help him excel for Walsall in the new campaign.
The striker joined the Saddlers from Leicester last summer having previously impressed in non-league for Stafford Rangers and Nantwich Town.
While Walsall were ultimately relegated last year, Gordon personally ended the campaign strongly with five goals in his last 12 matches.
And he feels he has learned a lot over the past 12-months.
“I think I have grown stronger for my first season in league football,” the 24-year-old said.
“I was playing against opponents who were bigger and stronger.
“But they were also a bit cleverer as well. It was all about trying to out-think them.
“I think my knowledge of the game improved a lot last season. I learnt about how quick everything is and how little thinking time you have at certain points in the game.
“I’m hoping my experience in League One will allow me to excel in League Two this season.”
Gordon believes his all-round game has improved over the last year.
And he says his goals towards the end of last season in particular have boosted his confidence.
“I feel my all-round game has improved from last season and that was really important for me,” the forward continued.
“My work rate has always been there, I have never felt there has been an issue with that.
“But I knew I had to work on my all-round game and still do.
“And getting the goals I got towards the end of last season has also helped me improve my game.
“My confidence has grown from that, I do think my finishing has got better.
“Now I just want to start the new season well, it’s important we get off to a positive start.”
Walsall, who play their first friendly of the summer against Alfreton today, kick-off their League Two campaign at Northampton on August 3.
The last time the two teams met, a George Dobson goal all-but condemned the Cobblers to relegation.
And Gordon admits it’s a tasty first fixture.
“When I saw the fixtures come out and that we had Northampton first, I knew the history of the game and I reckon it’ll be a juicy first game,” he added.
“I am excited to be a part of that.”
