Weston revels in career turnaround
Walsall defender Rhys Weston is revelling in his career turnaround less than a year after thinking his days at the club were numbered.
The defender, set to face Brighton in the League One opener tomorrow, has been appointed club captain and has completed his first full pre-season in two years.
Twelve months ago he struggled with a calf injury, before being sent off against the Seagulls and was frozen out by former manager Jimmy Mullen.
Weston said: "That's the beauty of football, there's always another chance to start again.
"Since Chris and Martin have come in, things have changed significantly for the better and we're enjoying everything.
"There were a lot of peaks and troughs last season, getting injured early on, getting suspended in my second game back and various other issues happening, so it was tough at stages but I still managed to get 30 games in.
"I hope to be a little more consistent this season and keep fit. I keep reiterating that but, for me, it's vital."
The 28-year-old is now hoping for three points at the Withdean – but would like an easier win than last year, where the Saddlers won 1-0 despite Weston and Netan Sansara being sent off in the opening half an hour.
He joked: "I enjoyed watching from the sides. It's well documented I got sent off, as did Netan, which made it very difficult for the boys, but to their credit they put in one of the most courageous performances I have seen for a long time.
"To come away with a 1-0 win after that was unbelievable."
