'We have to be pleased' - Mat Sadler assesses Walsall's January transfer window

Walsall brought in five new faces - including the permanent signings of midfield pair Alex Pattison and Alfie Chang.

Barnsley defender Kacper Lopata and Fulham under-21s striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi also joined on loan, while Jid Okeke re-joined for a second loan spell from Stockport County. 

Elsewhere, Lewis Warrington departed for Tranmere Rovers and Levi Amantchi headed for the exit door with a switch to non-league Gateshead.

'Another challenge' - Sadler reflects on January

On the window, Sadler said: "Another challenge. Probably different to previous ones, I think we kept the majority of the squad together and intact. 

"A couple of people have left, a couple of people have joined. One old face has returned in Jid, so on the whole, we have to be pleased with what we did. 

"Again, making sure that we remember, and very much focus on the squad as a whole. 

"We were happy with it going into the window and we feel like we've strengthened. The outcome will be determined by the next 16 games.

"Pleased with the attacking options that we've got and I think we've got options throughout the squad. And good competition for places in the squad as well."

There has been criticism over the lack of depth in attack amid fears that Walsall have become heavily reliant on leading scorer Daniel Kanu. 

One of the positive stories was that Kanu will be staying until the end of the season, which was not the case with Nathan Lowe or Freddie Draper in the previous two winter windows. 

'Andy McGregor has been a touch of class'

Andy McGregor also oversaw his first window as the new Head of Recruitment and Sadler feels he helped compliment both himself and Trivela Vice President of Football Matt Jordan.

"Andy is a touch of class in terms of the contacts that he has, the understanding of how we recruit data-wise," he added.

"He is a top class operator. For me personally, he has given me the ability for it not to be myself making every single phone call, and watching every single player and speaking to every single agent. 

"That has been a really helpful thing for me, and has kept my mind a bit clearer. 

"I remember in the previous January, that was one of the toughest times, and in the summer as well, with the amount of players we had to change in a short period of time. 

"Having that support and somebody working full-time with us has been a really helpful thing for me." 

"Matt Jordan is still right on it. It's still very much the three of us that work tirelessly with things. 

"I don't think he would have it any other way."