From California to the Black Country – Walsall midfielder Anton Peterlin has seen the rags and riches of football.

Peterlin has experienced the vast wealth of the Premier League to the financial wastelands of League One.

Arriving at Everton from Ventura County Fusion in 2009, the American failed to make an appearance before a switch to Plymouth last year.

Peterlin – along with his long-suffering Argyle team-mates – then went without wages for seven months as they plummeted into League Two.

Kari Arnason was even sacked by the Devon club after refusing to go without full pay in June but, by then, Peterlin had been released as Argyle slashed costs.

But now the 24-year-old is set for his full Saddlers debut at Hartlepool tomorrow with Adam Chambers suspended, following his red card against Middlesbrough in Tuesday’s 3-0 Carling Cup defeat.

And Peterlin is just happy to be playing without money worries at his third club in English football.

He said: “We didn’t get paid for months last season and we had overdrafts and bills which had to be paid.

“You tried to put everything out of your mind when you’re on the pitch, but it’s hard when everything is mounting on top of you.

“It was more the mid-week stuff which affected you. It’s not at the games, it’s during the week when you hear about it all the time and it weighs on you.

“You put it out of your head for the game but it’s always in the back of your mind. Right now everyone is struggling.

“The finances are tight at every club and Plymouth just got into trouble and couldn’t get out of it. It was too bad but it’s a big club and I’m glad they’re getting better.

“I’ll miss it but I’m glad I’m out of there and have my chance with Walsall.

“I’m here, I’m excited for the season and it’s a good club.”

The Saddlers cashed in on Plymouth’s woes by beating the drop by a point.

Had Argyle not gone into administration, Walsall would have been relegated – an irony not lost on Peterlin.

He said: “I know, it’s true, it’s just the way it works, you never know what’s going to happen. It was a scrap and the relegation zone isn’t the place to be.

“Every game is a must win in whatever way possible – kick it long or play football. It was just about points.

“Now everyone has a clean sheet, so it’s a bit more relaxed now and there’s everything to play for. It’s always great to get a good start. It’s more important to be consistent though.

“Last year at Plymouth we won our first game and then didn’t do so well!”

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