New boy aims for step-up

Walsall new-boy Paul Boertien today fixed his sights on a return to The Championship after clinching a one-year deal at The Banks's Stadium.

The versatile left-footer has spent most of his career at Championship level with Derby and he is now targeting a return there.

The 28-year-old played eight seasons in The Championship with The Rams although he was limited to 114 league appearances by two serious knee injuries.

But he is now injury-free and relishing a fresh challenge with the Saddlers.He said: "I played regularly in the first half of the season but then picked up an injury and as the team was doing well, I found it hard to get back in.

"I now feel as fit as ever and see this as an exciting new chapter in my career.

"I want to play at the highest level possible and Walsall is a big club who I want to help get back into The Championship.

"I am now looking forward to the challenge. I don't just want to play for Walsall, I want to achieve things with the club."

Boertien put pen to paper on his deal yesterday shortly after Gambia international Edrissa 'Eddy' Sonko.

Sonko, aged 27, who has played more than 100 matches in the Dutch top-flight for Roda, said the chance to play in England was a dream come true.

"I am very excited to be here,"Êhe said. "To play in England has always been a dream of mine and I am pleased with the way that my trial went."