Mat Sadler returns to Walsall

The 34-year-old was a league ever-present during his first spell with the Saddlers in 2011/12, scoring one goal in 52 appearances in all competitions.

Sadler has made 513 appearances in a career that has also taken him to Northampton, Stockport, Crawley, Rotherham and Oldham.

He was surprisingly released by Shrewsbury at the end of last season.

Sadler became Walsall's third signing in a busy 24 hours with winger Wes McDonald and former Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie also arriving at Banks's.

“I’m really happy to be back at Walsall,” Sadler said.

"When I heard there was interest from the club, I wanted to park everything else to make sure the deal got done.

“I really enjoyed my time when I was last here. It was a challenging season but it was a season I thoroughly enjoyed.

“The current gaffer has the same sort of feel about him as Dean [Smith] when I was here last. Darrell has a real desire to improve and a real desire to set high standards.

“The manager has a certain aura about him and he wants to create something very, very special.

“I am hoping my experience is going to be shown both on the pitch and off it.

“I’m 34 but, even at this ripe old age, I am still very excited about the new season and I can’t wait to get going.”

Manager Darrell Clarke added: “We’ve been trying to get the right sort of blend with the younger lads in the squad and Mat brings in a lot of experience.

“He’s a leader, was captain of Shrewsbury and led them to the play-offs a couple of seasons ago.

“He knows the club and what impressed me most was his hungriness; he wants to come here and achieve.

“That’s what I like to see from the older boys; they want to work hard and be part of what we’re trying to build here.”