news-engine

'Clear desire to develop' - Walsall boss Lee Grant makes 'certain' claim regarding Leeds United's Charlie Crew Walsall head coach Lee Grant has discussed the loan signing of Charlie Crew from Leeds United Walsall head coach Lee Grant is “certain” Charlie Crew will give his squad a boost following the midfielder’s arrival on loan from Leeds United. The 20-year-old made his senior Whites debut in November 2024, but has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular under Daniel Farke. He was loaned to Doncaster Rovers in January 2025, helping the South Yorkshire club clinch the League Two title. Crew returned to Rovers for their League One campaign only to see his stay cut short at the midway point. The Wales-capped midfielder has now been given another opportunity to impress at EFL level, with fourth-tier Walsall having borrowed him for the duration of the 2026/27 season. Lee Grant on Leeds United’s Charlie Crew Grant, who was sacked by Huddersfield Town in January, told the official Walsall website: “I'm really pleased to add Charlie to the squad. We’ve put a lot of work in to understanding Charlie both as a player and as a character and we are certain he will boost us on both fronts. He’s shown a real maturity in our conversations and there is a clear desire to develop and take a step forward this season. “He has experience of a promotion in League Two as well as playing in the league above in his most recent loan spell. He plays with a calmness on the pitch and he adds another important layer to our options in the midfield area. “I'm looking forward to working with Charlie and have every confidence he will integrate well into the environment we have here.” Charlie Crew ‘over the moon’ Crew did travel with Leeds for their pre-season tour of the USA, indicating he may still have a future at Elland Road. However, with Leeds regularly bolstering their ranks to keep up with the demands of the Premier League, Crew faces a tough battle to break into Farke’s side. Regarding his latest loan switch, Crew said: “I’m over the moon to join. I’m really happy that it’s happened and got over the line and I just can’t wait to get started and play in front of the fans. “The attraction to join the club was there for me after my conversations with the gaffer – his ideas, the way he wants to play and the ambition that the club has was a big factor so I’m hopeful of being able to play my part in fulfilling those things. “I like to get involved in the build-up and show my qualities and I’d say I’m composed and bring a sense of calmness to the midfield. I like to be progressive with the ball and get it forward as much as possible and ultimately I want to help the team by playing as many games as possible and establishing myself as a regular in the squad. “I’ve experienced a promotion so I have that feeling of what it takes and what a squad needs to do/look like so hopefully I can use that experience here at Walsall - I’m buzzing to get started and looking forward to the season ahead.”