Gerrard: I owe it all to Walsall
Ambitious Anthony Gerrard says he owes Walsall everything after finally securing his dream move.
The defender ended a year of speculation after signing for Championship side Cardiff on Thursday in a deal believed to be worth around £200,000.
Charlton and Scunthorpe were also in the hunt, the latter having a bid rejected, but the 23-year-old quickly wrapped up a deal with the Bluebirds after they had an offer accepted last Wednesday.
He is primed to make his debut against Chasetown on Friday when the Scholars travel to South Wales to open the Bluebirds' new Cardiff City Stadium.
Even still, Gerrard feels a degree of sadness at leaving the club he moved to as a raw 18-year-old following his release from Everton in 2005.
"It was the first place I established myself as a professional in the first team," he said.
"They've helped me along. They gave me experience when I thought I was too young and a lot of people said I was too young so I am very grateful for everything they've done for me. They helped establish me as a player so a team like Cardiff was interested.
"It's never easy moving away from home when you're 18 but they gave me my opportunity."
And Gerrard, who made 182 Walsall appearances, scoring seven times, hailed the Saddlers fans who backed him even when he made it clear he wanted to leave.
"I have to thank them for all their support because they made me and my family feel very welcome," he said.
"I've got a lot of friends at Walsall and I'm much obliged for all the help and support they've given me."
He has been waiting a year for his move, after Southampton saw a bid rejected last summer, but is now focused on making the jump to the Championship – and insists he will not be overawed by the quality.
"It's a challenge but it's one I'm looking forward to," said Gerrard, who will face the likes of Albion and Newcastle next season. "If you don't make the step up then you're not going to fulfil your potential so I can't wait to get in.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I thought I would have made the step up all the same last season but the club weren't happy with what Southampton offered but that was down to them.
"I just got my head down worked hard and have moved to Cardiff."
Although the Scouser admits he will miss the tight-knit atmosphere within the Saddlers' dressing room which he says was a key factor in him enjoying last season's League One campaign.
He said: "The camaraderie was unbelievable and it was the main factor why we were all so close. Myself, Stephen Hughes, Michael Ricketts, Rhys Weston and Manny Smith were a group and we were all a close unit – the little prank team."
