Jon Whitney thrilled to have George Dobson back at Walsall

The midfielder put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal at the Banks’s Stadium yesterday after he opted to mutually terminate his contract with Sparta Rotterdam.

Dobson was on loan with the Saddlers throughout the 2016/17 season and impressed in 26 appearances for the club.

But while Whitney wanted to sign the youngster on a permanent deal from West Ham in the summer, he instead opted to further his football education in Holland.

Dobson made five Eredivisie appearances for a Sparta side managed by Dick Advocaat.

But with first-team opportunities limited, he jumped at the chance of re-joining the Saddlers.

“George is a player who is really highly thought of here, not just from myself but the players as well,” Whitney said. “We put a year of work into him and he was showing really good promise and undoubted ability.

“He really improved his fitness when he was here and we tried to get him on a permanent in the summer.

“I’ve kept in touch with George over the last four or five months and I’d like to thank the chairman and the board for providing additional funds to get George in.

“It’s a really good signing and it’s pleasing to get him in on a permanent basis.”

Dobson came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and captained their under-18s side before joining boyhood club West Ham in 2015.

He helped the Hammers win the 2016 Under-21 Premier League Cup, where they beat Hull on penalties in the final.

But now he is fully focused on helping the Saddlers climb the table – with Whitney’s side currently sitting 18th in League One, just three points above the relegation zone.

“I’m delighted to be back,” Dobson said. “When Jon got in contact and said he was interested in taking me back, I threw myself at the chance.

“I loved my time at the club last year.

“I really felt like I kicked on as a player, particularly in the second half of the season.

“It was my first loan and at the start I found it tough, coming into first-team football and I probably wasn’t quite ready.

“But as the year went on, I felt like I really improved and offered quite a bit to the team.

“I’m physically better now and technically ready to come in and hopefully help the team.”

Walsall’s fans reacted positively on social media to the news of Dobson’s arrival.

Phillip Harrison tweeted: “Just the man we need! Totally delighted to see @georgedobson97 back.”

While Jonathan Jackaman added: “Now that is a quality signing. Fair play @WFCOfficial.”