Stuart Sinclair proud to help Walsall youngsters

The 33-year-old midfielder is part of the leadership structure within the Saddlers dressing room and in recent weeks has been helping to coach some of the up-and-coming youngsters. Tom Leak and Sam Perry have both established themselves in the squad over the last month and Sinclair can often be heard encouraging them from the sidelines or on the pitch, a role he takes very seriously.

“I enjoy it, it’s something that I put pressure on myself to try and do,” Sinclair said. “I want to help the younger players. I had players when I was younger that did the same for me and tried to push me forwards, even if sometimes I didn’t think they were doing that.

“I would like the young players to think that of me and I try and pride myself on helping them as much as I can. For the football club as well, not only is my duty to play, recover and do the best I can, but also to try and help the team to get the best out of themselves. That’s something I try and work on and do as much as I can.

“The quality is there (in the youngsters) and it’s about managing the pressure put upon them, that ultimately is what makes you a professional footballer. If we can help them in every way we can to allow them to be free and express themselves in the right ways, then that’s going to help the team massively.

“Joe (Willis) works super hard and is extremely dedicated and through his injury worked extremely hard. He definitely deserves an opportunity.

“Sam has grown massively. The goal at Bolton is a prime example. A big game against a strong Bolton side and it was a fantastic goal that was thoroughly deserved. Hopefully those moments can carry on and keep pushing them forwards.”

Meanwhile, head coach Brian Dutton, who played with Sinclair at Salisbury and is a family friend, was full of praise when asked how he finds it being his manager.

Dutton said: “Stuart is such a respectful guy, he was the first person to come in and call me gaffer and show that respect.

“He looks after the dressing room, makes sure everyone is falling in line and doing the right things.

“It’s been an honour to be his manager. I run out of superlatives when I talk about him. I’ve seen it first hand, without being disrespectful, an average footballer turning himself into someone who in League One was the first name on the opposition manager’s lips after games.

“For someone who has come from step seven in non-league to be a really key player in League One is testament to his work ethic and attitude.

“Even at 33 years old that fire is still inside him and burning strong.”