Mat Sadler welcomes Drogheda United collaboration but stresses key priority for Walsall
Walsall boss Mat Sadler says he welcomes future collaboration with fellow Trivela owned side Drogheda United but stressed that his main priority is to keep the squad together this month.
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Defender Elicha Ahui became the latest player to switch between both clubs last week.
The 21-year-old penned an 18-month deal at Bescot with the option of another year but will return to Drogheda on loan for the remainder of 2025.
Since the takeover was completed in 2023, Walsall have signed defender Evan Weir from Drogheda while Douglas James-Taylor headed on loan in the opposite direction - scoring 13 goals so far at Weavers Park.
Sadler said: "We want more of that, of course we do and it's another opportunity to have a really good young player continue that journey of getting loads of games.
"We will keep working together with Drogheda when these situations and opportunities present itself.
"Elicha is another one of those. We'll welcome him back in pre-season and we'll wish him the best again for the first half of their season."
Sadler insisted last week that his key players will remain at Walsall in January and his focus is on keeping the squad strong as they continue to challenge for the League Two title.
"Maybe," Sadler responded when asked about the potential of future collaboration. "Maybe in the future but my job now is to keep the squad together and protect them.
"We've got loads of challenges for ourselves this season, as Drogheda will at their end."
