Richard Taundry comes of age for Walsall
TEENAGE talent Richard Taundry has really come of age at Walsall this season.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been a regular fixture in the Saddlers’ starting line-up to date.
This week Taundry drew praise from Walsall manager Jimmy Mullen who said: “The great thing about Richard is the fact you know exactly what you’re going to get from him. Not only every game, but every day.
“He’s had a great start to the season, particularly from one who’s still so young.
“Richard’s a really committed player and great to have about the place. I find his attitude is really infectious.’’
Taundry is taking it all in his stride. Walsall born and bred, the youngster realises he’s set his own standard this season and said: “As long as I can keep the form that I’ve started with, I’ll be happy. The most important thing is that the team does well.
“We all know the season is going to get tougher and we need to buckle down and work harder.’’
Talented Taundry nearly turned his back on Walsall as a kid.
The Rushall-based boy was on Walsall’s books when he was a youngster, but revealed: “I wasn’t enjoying it at Walsall, so I left.
“I went to play Sunday League football for Colrun and Shelfield.
“A friend of mine knew youth team boss Mick Halsall and got me a trial with Walsall.
“I came back, kept my head down and really got to grips with the way Walsall play and I’ve been here ever since!’’
Taundry’s inclusion at the start of the season raised a few eyebrows, but some compelling performances by the teenager in midfield has helped him nail down a place in the side.
Taundry is aware competition for places will get tougher with the likes of skipper Stephen Hughes, Dwayne Mattis, Mark Bradley, and to some extent, German Marco Reich all capable of performing a similar role.
He admitted: “I thought it would be tough to get into the starting line-up. I came into the squad last season and it was a bit of mix and match where I had to play.
“I was happy just to be part of it,” he said.
“At the moment, I enjoy my role in the side. Silly as it may sound, I like working hard, getting amongst teams and grafting.
“Obviously I’m aware that everyone in the squad wants to be in the starting line-up.
“Everyone at Walsall is capable of doing a job in the first team, so there’s always that bit of tension in the changing room with players wondering who’s going to be in the team.
“It’s a dog-eat-dog situation. If anyone makes a mistake, you know there’s someone ready to jump into your place.’’
Taundry is a magnificent advert for Walsall’s youth policy.
He’s one of a crop of kids fast-tracked into the first-team squad by previous boss Richard Money, who believed in giving youngsters their chance.
Players such as Mark Bradley, Troy Deeney, Manny Smith and Alex Nicholls have all risen through Walsall’s ranks.
Along with the likes of Netan Sansar and Ishmel Demontagnac, the Saddlers have a remarkably young feel.
Taundry admits: “Last season, it was like everyone in the squad was under 21 or 22. Because it’s such a young squad, everyone gets on well with each other.
“Richard Money started playing the youngsters and Jimmy Mullen has kept it going. He has confidence in the young players and that, in turn, gives you confidence in the manager.
“It’s helped me in particular, having so many young players around. It stops people looking at you and thinking that he’s the youngest, so he must be the weak link. That doesn’t happen.
“I really enjoy it at Walsall. All my family and friends live locally and come to watch me play. I really want to do well for them.’’
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