Mat Sadler opens up on Josh Gordon's loan exit amid doubt over his Walsall future

Gordon re-joined the Bluebirds on loan in the final hours of transfer deadline day, after struggling for minutes in the opening weeks of the season. 

The 30-year-old, who has just one year left on his deal with the Saddlers, featured for just 25 minutes in League Two prior to completing his return to Holker Street. 

Rico Richards joined on a season-long loan from local rivals Port Vale to help plug the gap in attack and Sadler felt the decision to let Gordon leave suited all parties. 

"No, Josh will be there for the full season," Sadler confirmed when asked if Walsall had a recall option in January. 

"It really a really difficult [decision] because it was about trying to be fair to Josh, but also to the budget. 

"We had sought after Daniel [Kanu] heavily and wanted to make sure that it was one that we got through. 

"One of the most important thing for Josh was that he was in the final year of his deal and I couldn't promise him the minutes that he would've wanted. 

"It was trying to be as fair as we could to him, while also making sure we were set and also being budgetarily responsible. 

"All of those things came into the mix with that decision. The window is tough because we signed three strikers, and weren't able to find a fourth that we were really happy with. 

"So in the end, [we decided] to let him go and play the game which will help him secure his future." 

Sadler has stated that Richards is capable of providing an option in both midfield and as a 'second-striker' although critics fear Walsall still lack depth in attack. 

Gordon started on his 'second debut' for Barrow as they were beaten 3-1 by Swindon Town last weekend, but will not be eligible to face Walsall at Bescot when they face each other on October 18.