Walsall defender Mat Sadler leaves for Crawley

Mat Sadler today turned down the chance to stay at Walsall and has joined newly-promoted League One outfit Crawley Town.

The 27-year-old defender was offered a new two-year deal by the Saddlers but has decided his future lies elsewhere after a year at the Banks's Stadium.

Sadler, who began his career with Birmingham City, played in all but one of Walsall's games last season. He scored once and won the club's player of the year award.

Boss Dean Smith was disappointed to see Sadler leave, but understands the left-back's decision to move to big-spending Crawley who are now under the stewardship of Wolverhampton-born manager Sean O'Driscoll.

Smith said: "It was a hard decision for him. But in the end, Crawley's offer was simply too good for him to turn down.

"I really enjoyed working with him over the past year or so and wish him well. He will be sorely missed, but we move on and look towards our other targets."

Sadler is the second player to leavedespite being offered a contract following the departure of Alex Nicholls to Northampton Town last week.