Russell Martin leaves Walsall for family reasons

Rumours had been rife on message boards and social media that the 33-year-old had left the club this week.

But the news was announced shortly before Walsall's League One clash with Scunthorpe.

Walsall were without fellow centre-back Jack Fitzwater for the game with the Albion loanee spending more time with his parent club before he is expected to return next week.

And with Jon Guthrie and Connor Johnson the club's only other recognised centre-backs, manager Dean Keates wanted to keep his team selection close to his chest ahead of the visit of the Iron.

Martin, who is a close friend Keates, joined the Saddlers as a player-coach back in October.

But the former Norwich captain lives in Brighton and had been commuting to matches and training - with that travelling impacting his family life.

“The decision to leave Walsall is purely for family reasons,” Martin said.

“I haven’t been seeing my kids enough since the move and they are struggling with that. I need to be with my family more.

“There has been a lot of change in my life in such a short space of time and I need to put them first and spend a bit more time with my wife and kids.

"I have loved working with the lads, they are a fantastic group.

“I have loved working with the manager as well, he has been brilliant. Everyone at the club has been great and I have really, really enjoyed my time here.

“It hasn’t gone quite how we would have liked but I honestly believe the lads are getting there. I hope I have added some value at some point along the way to the players on and off the pitch.

“After a chat with the manager, he agrees that I need to put my family first.”

Keates, although sad to see Martin depart, said he understands the decision and wished Martin the best for the future.

“Russ has been a fantastic pro for us since he has been here, both on and off the pitch,” the boss said.

“Of course we are disappointed to see him leave but the travelling is affecting him and he is at the point now where he needs to put his family first and do what is best for them.

“I’d like to thank Russ for his efforts during his time here and I wish him all the best for whatever the next step in his career is.”