Stuart Sinclair: Walsall safety first before future
Stuart Sinclair would like to stay with Walsall beyond this season but insists his focus is on helping steer the club away from relegation trouble first.
The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer after joining the Saddlers in 2019. He has struggled with injury issues at times this campaign – so far only making 19 appearances – but has impressed with some of his robust performances when he has played.
Sinclair is an important part of the leadership structure in the dressing room and wants to stay with the club, but is determined to focus on the task in hand.
When asked if he would like to stay beyond this season, Sinclair said: “Obviously I would like to be at the club but I haven’t really thought about it if I’m being honest.
“The main thing to think about is making sure we pick up points between now and the end of the season and whether I’m here or not, I leave the football club in the best way for the summer, to build forwards. I want to do everything for the football club while I’m here and if I’m not here in six month’s time, then that’s how it is. But the most important thing right now is making sure I help the football club, and down the line if the gaffer and club still want me here then that’s amazing.”
In November last year Sinclair admitted he was ‘coming to terms’ with the idea of retirement as he winds down his playing days. But when asked if he has given it any more thought, he insists making more appearances this year is occupying his mind.
“It’s been extremely tough this year,” he added.
“I’ve played less games than I’m used to, we haven’t had fans, it’s been a tough season for the club.
“It’s been a physical and mental challenge but through my career I’ve worked hard at playing at the highest level I can and I’ll carry on doing that as much as I can. I’ll re-evaluate in the summer, speak to the gaffer and players I’ve played with and try and dig into the advice they have.
“Ultimately I haven’t really thought about it at all. I just want to enjoy the football that I have left and do everything I can to allow my body to do that, and enjoy every moment. Helping everyone I can too – those are the most important things. Whatever happens at the end of the season, happens.”
