Jamie Vincent signs new Walsall deal

Walsall defender Jamie Vincent has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at the Banks's Stadium.

The left-back becomes the fifth player to commit his future to the Saddlers, as boss Chris Hutchings' squad takes shape.

Vincent arrived on a free from Swindon last summer and has made 40 appearances for the club – coming third in the Player of the Season votes.

Now the former Portsmouth star, who turns 35 on Friday, has targeted another successful campaign next term.

He said: "I'm delighted to have extended my stay. I really enjoyed it here last season. I played a lot of games and my aim is to do the same again next season.

"We have a relatively young squad and sometimes the young lads look for advice. It's my job to be a good role model to those players. Hopefully, we can push on next season and I can be part of a team that continues to progress.

"It's important that the senior players pass on their experience. We have a relatively young squad and sometimes the young lads look for advice.

"It's my job to be a good role model to those players."

Vincent, who previously had a loan spell at Walsall in 2003/04, initially arrived as back-up for Netan Sansara but an ankle injury to his rival saw him become the first-choice left-back.

The 34-year-old also excelled at centre-back and captained the side in the absence of Mark Hughes and Dwayne Mattis.

Boss Hutchings is delighted to keep the veteran, who joins Alex Nicholls, Richard Taundry, Will Grigg and Darryl Westlake in signing, for one more season.

He said: "Jamie's experience is key. We have a relatively young squad, so it important to have a player of Jamie's experience on board.

"He had an excellent season last time around, culminating in him picking up the Players Player of the Season Award.

"Jamie will once again be an important member of the squad."

Only captain Hughes, Julian Gray and goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin have now yet to sign up at the Banks's Stadium, but the club hope to know their decisions by the end of the week.