Ishmel Demontagnac

Walsall

Born in London, Demontagnac started his playing career with Charlton Athletic, before moving to join the Walsall youth system. Demontagnac created an instant impression on the Walsall coaching staff with his fast pace and footballing talents, especially in getting past defenders. The 17-year-old Demontagnac marked his October 2005 first team debut with an assist and a goal in a 3–2 defeat away to Port Vale. He went on to make 27 appearances that season, scoring twice, and picked up the club's Young Player of the Year award, but was twice sent off for violent conduct. Walsall manager Paul Merson was replaced by Richard Money in 2006–07. Money selected Demontagnac for the starting line-up just once in the season, choosing to use him as an impact player from the substitutes' bench. Demontagnac signed a two-year contract extension at the beginning of the 2007–08 season, but again spent most of the season as a substitute. His goal against Brighton and Hove Albion in November 2007 was voted the club's Goal of the Season. Following a defeat against Crewe Alexandra, new manager Jimmy Mullen recalled him to the first team and handed him a start for The Saddlers against Southend United. Playing up front alongside Jabo Ibehre, Demontagnac scored his first career hat-trick. In the first round FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe United, he was sent off for an off-the-ball incident only eight minutes after coming on as a substitute. The following day he was arrested on suspicion…

Demontagnac was called up into the England under-18 squad in 2005, playing in a 1–0 friendly defeat away to Turkey on 15 November. He went on to play for England under-19s on 5 September 2006 in a 0–0 friendly draw against the Netherlands at the Bescot Stadium, Walsall.

Walsall

Football League Two: 2006–07 Individual

Walsall Young Player of the Year: 2005–06 Walsall Goal of the Year: 2007–08