Walsall v Bristol Rovers preview: Mat Sadler focusing on his team amid clash against old boss
Walsall's clash with Bristol Rovers tomorrow will see Mat Sadler and Darrell Clarke face off as managers for the first time.
Clarke, who took charge of Walsall from 2019 to 2021 before leaving for rivals Port Vale, had centre-back Sadler as part of his squad when he first joined.
In 2020 Sadler moved to become a player-coach and worked alongside Clarke before the Saddlers boss moved into coaching full time.
Clarke is now back at his beloved Bristol Rovers, who he achieved promotion from League Two with in 2015/16, and although Sadler is fond of his former boss, he is keen to keep the focus on the pitch and not the dugout.
"I'm not for one second going to say me and Darrell are similar types of people, because we're not, but I do always admire the infectious attitude and positivity that Darrell brings across to his group," Sadler said.
"Anyone who spends any time in Darrell's company enjoys it. That's the stuff where you can see why he's had such a good career.
"It's always important to be me and that's what I'll take forward, but as a man he was someone who worked very hard, was extremely passionate and wanted to win.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him but he'll do his thing and we'll do ours.
"We'll try and play the way we want to play and he'll try to play the way they want to play.
"It's important that it's very much about the players, so we're looking forward to the game as a group and it has the makings of a very good League Two game with two good teams a big crowd.
"All the other stuff is just talk, it's more about how the guys feel and how we approach the game."
The Saddlers sit top of League Two after 10 games, with seven wins to their name, as they aim to right the wrongs of last season's play-off final heartbreak.
They are currently on a run of five wins and one draw in their last six league games and are flying high at the summit.
But Rovers have also impressed of late, sitting seventh in the table.
After losing three and drawing one of their opening four league games, they are on an identical unbeaten run to that of Walsall's in the last six matches.
"It has the makings of a really good game and will be a different test," Sadler added.
"They're a fantastic team with a good manager who knows exactly what this team is all about and he's finding ways to win games.
"We know it will be a tough game."
Sadler has also been given an injury boost with Jamie Jellis back in contention for the game and no other fresh injury concerns.
"Everyone is up to speed now," he said.
"Jamie has had a brilliant week in training so he certainly comes into my thoughts for the weekend.
"The only two injuries are the two long-term ones in Harry and Mason. Otherwise, a clean bill of health."
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