Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Mat Sadler wants new start at Walsall
Monday 11th July 2011, 9:20AM BST.
Walsall new-boy Mat Sadler starts a new chapter in his career today – after ending his Watford nightmare.
The left-back wants to forget his Vicarage Road hell and has travelled to Scotland with his new Walsall team-mates, as their pre-season plans gather pace.
It marks the end of a lost three years after he became the Hornets’ forgotten man, despite making a £750,000 switch from Birmingham in 2008.
After helping Watford to the Championship play-offs, he was frozen out the following season and failed to make an appearance after a 4-2 Boxing Day defeat to Bristol City.
Sadler was shipped out on loan to Stockport – and to Shrewsbury last season – before being released in the summer.
But, after penning a one-year deal at the Banks’s Stadium, the 26-year-old is ready to fight back.
He said: “I’ve got a lot to prove. It’s a step up from being at Shrewsbury last season but I enjoyed that and I needed it because I probably lost my way at Watford a little.
“That experience has taught me a lot and I know I have to savour every game like it’s my last, put everything into it and be thankful for the opportunity.
“I need to push on and I’ve definitely got a point to prove.
“But I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Sadler is likely to make his Saddlers bow at Greenock Morton on Wednesday before they play Gretna on Friday.
And the defender, who made 61 appearances for Blues after coming through the ranks at St Andrew’s, believes the tour will be vital for the team.
He said: “In the deepest darkest times in December all outside influences are irrelevant, it’s what’s in the camp which matters.
“You can’t put a price on team bonding and trust. That can see you through and add to the points tally.
“This week will be a progression, we’re playing some games and getting back in to the swing of things.
“It’s five days away and there are a few new lads, so we can spend a bit of time together and do a bit of team bonding.”
To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.
Sponsored Links
UK Sport
Latest Blog — Microsoft Comes to the University of Wolverhampton
Last week Microsoft visited the University of Wolverhampton to give students the chance to develop their own phone apps that could be published on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Technology blog
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
expressandstar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
