Mat Sadler urged to stay at Walsall FC
Andy Butler today urged Mat Sadler to stay at Walsall as the Saddlers' contract deadline ticked down.
Andy Butler today urged Mat Sadler to stay at Walsall as the Saddlers' contract deadline ticked down.
The skipper is desperate to see the Players' Player of the Season commit his future at the Banks's Stadium.
Sadler has been offered a new two-year deal by the club – who have set a deadline of June 19 for players to decide their futures.
Boss Dean Smith is keen not to have money tied up in written offers so he can move on to other targets but Butler hopes Sadler agrees new terms.
"I really hope he stays here. It's been a good mix of players – there are a few comedians and a few miserable so and sos but that's football," he said. "Sads is brilliant and he's one of the nicest players at the club.
"He's a good player and just does things very well. I didn't know anything about him when he first came but over the season he was our best out-and-out performer.
"I hope he stays because he's one of the nicest lads you will meet. There's not a person who would have said a bad word to say about him."
Butler beat Sadler to the fans' Player of the Season and the captain believes the left-back is the ultimate professional.
"It's a credit to Mat he does everything right and it's paid off for him. It makes my job a lot easier, he helps me out and hopefully we can both help each other," he said.
"Everyone works hard for each other but they work hard for the gaffer because they like him."
Manny Smith is also considering a two-year offer but Emmanuel Ledesma looks set to reject a similar deal and has been in talks with Championship club Middlesbrough.
Alex Nicholls was the first to leave the Saddlers this summer after being offered a contract when he signed for Northampton in League Two last week.
Meanwhile, the Walsall Football Supporters Trust are setting up an ex-players association in September and want to hear from former Saddlers stars.
The Walsall legends football team have helped raise money for charity and the Trust are keen to continue their fundraising with a golf society also being set up.
Former players can contact Steve Davies at walsall1888@aol.com or 07799 835388.
