Romaine Sawyers: Dean Smith is why I left Walsall for Brentford
Romaine Sawyers says his relationship with former Walsall boss Dean Smith was the main driving force behind his exit from Saddlers, stating: 'He knows how I tick'.
Midfielder Sawyers said the opportunity to rejoin his old boss at Brentford was an opportunity he could not pass up.
He described Smith as 'an excellent man-manager... who knows how to get the best out of players'.
The 24-year-old playmaker signed a four-year deal at the Bees yesterday after his contract at the Banks's expired.
And Sawyers paid tribute to the Saddlers faithful who had backed him in his three years at Walsall.
He said: "Dean Smith was central to my development, which is why I am looking forward to working with him again at Brentford in the Championship.
"He's an excellent man manager, and knows how to get the best out of his players. He knows how I tick."
The St Kitts & Nevis international, who bagged seven goals last season, said: "It would be very satisfying to see the next crop of Walsall players help the club get promoted to the Championship.
"Everyone at the club has worked tirelessly to achieve that goal, and the fans have stood shoulder-to-shoulder to support them.
"I have nothing but gratitude for the support that Walsall Football Club has given to me and my family since moving to the club from West Bromwich Albion three years ago, and I of course wish them every success for the future."
And he added: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone associated with Walsall Football Club.
"I enjoyed three great years at the football club, which have been marinated with so many great experiences; not least of all helping the club to their first Wembley final in 2015 and the play-offs in May.
"As a professional sportsman, you always want to be the best that you can be and Walsall gave me a great platform from which to progress and showcase what I can do. It's why I wanted to see out my contract, in full.
"I have played alongside some talented individuals at Walsall and enjoyed working under the various management teams.
"I have also welcomed the opportunity to take on more responsibility over the past 12 months."
