Walsall make Mat Sadler a Saddler
Monday 27th June 2011, 12:00PM BST.
Walsall swooped for Mat Sadler today as manager Dean Smith secured his first summer signing.
The 26-year-old has penned a one-year deal after being released by Watford, following a loan spell at Shrewsbury last season.
The left-back will join the squad when they return for pre-season training on Thursday and revealed he was won over by boss Smith.
Sadler said: “I am looking forward to working here. Dean Smith’s enthusiasm and determination to do well was clear to see from the off and it fits in with my own hopes and ambitions.
“Living locally, I know what this club is all about and there is no reason why we can’t get back to Championship level. The set-up is fantastic and everything is geared up for progression.
“I am excited to be part of that.”
Smith revealed he was close to completing a new signing last week and insisted Sadler is a perfect addition.
The Saddlers boss said: “I want players here who have hunger and want to be involved week in, week out. Mat certainly fits into that category.
“He played in every minute of last season for Shrewsbury and comes here with plenty of higher level experience and a quality left foot.
“He understands the game well and will help those younger lads around him. That said, at 26, he’s a good age and has his best years ahead of him. His pedigree is excellent and he’s been brought up the right way.
“Having spoken to him on a couple of occasions it is clear that he is an ambitious lad, who is determined to do well for the club and I am pleased to have him on board.”
Sadler cost Watford £750,000 when he signed from Birmingham in 2008 but made just 35 appearances and hadn’t played for the Hornets since a 4-2 Boxing Day defeat to Bristol City that year.
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Welcome to the Saddlers Mr Sadler!
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“Sadler is a Saddler”…..Could be a good signing. Let’s hope there are a few more to come.
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One I had noted as being available on a free last week who could fill our void at left back. Good work Deano, let’s hope there some business done this week before pre season training starts.
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Sounds like a good signing, but why on a one year contract. He plays well next year and we either lose him for nothing or have to convince him to stay for a second season. Either way, it should have been on a two year contract at least as we could possibly make money instead of losing it.
And as for players out there we should be signing, why haven’t we signed up Julian Bennet. I know he’s had a couple of seasons of injury trouble, but forest have stated that they will keep him on if he doesn’t find another club. You don’t do that to someone who can’t play.
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great signing hope more follow soon uts!!
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This is the part where we hope Wolves appoint Wolfgang Wolf (formerly of Wolfsburg) as assistant coach. Just for the hell of it.
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