Walsall's Albert Admoah wants to add a Saddlers success to his list

The Walsall man started in a star-studded side which featured two-time Champions League winner Victor Valdes, ex-England international Stewart Downing, Netherlands midfielder Marten de Roon and Premier League winner Alvaro Negredo.

He would star just once more from the bench in a 2-1 win at Sunderland the following weekend before moving to the West Midlands with Villa.

Adomah had registered six goals and six assists apiece in the campaign prior to inspire Middlesbrough to automatic promotion.

Boro would ultimately succumb to relegation after just one season, but Adomah has fond memories of his time on Teeside.

“Yes (it ended in relegation) because I left,” he jokes. “That unit at Middlesbrough at the time when we got promotion was immense.

“It was a team effort. It wasn’t just individual players. I did my part, others did their part. Everyone contributed working together as a team to achieve that fate was unbelievable.

“We all knew we reached the promised land, but I’m happy to have played two games. It was a short stay in the Premier League and I could’ve stayed, but I chose Villa over Burnley.

“It’s just that vivid recollection sometimes. My first Premier League game was against Stoke and I contributed to the first goal. I crossed it in and it was knocked down for Negredo to score.

“Then against Sunderland I came on and it was one of my worst games because I knew I was leaving. It was interesting and a big contrast, but that’s football sometimes.”

Adomah would go on to help secure Villa’s return to the top-flight via the Championship play-offs during his final season in 2019.

The Championship record appearance holder has established himself as an immediate fan-favourite since arriving at Walsall this term.

Walsall sit fourth ahead of the weekend, two points adrift of top spot with a game in hand.

And Adomah, who has scored twice in 13 appearances across all competitions for the Saddlers so far, and has his sights set on adding a third promotion to his CV at Bescot.

“My two promotions were unbelievable. Words can’t even describe it. An amazing one with Middlesbrough and with Villa as well,” he reflects.

“For me to do that with Walsall would be amazing. They’re one of my local clubs as well now so that would be a great achievement.

“I wanted to do it with my boyhood club QPR but unfortunately we just missed out which was a shame. But if I can do it with Walsall it would be amazing.”