Mat Sadler to draw on experience in new Walsall coaching role

The club announced last week that the option of an extra year had been taken up in the defender’s contract and that he would move into a player/coach role for the 2020/21 season.

The 35-year-old believes that his experience in the Football League can only benefit the team heading into a campaign where the club is targeting promotion.

“Especially in the last three, four years, it’s been something that has really focused my mind,” Sadler said via club’s channels.

“It’s where all of my experience in working life lies, it’s very much what I know.

“Remaining part of football past this point and onwards is something I intend on doing and fingers crossed this is the first step into that.

“As you gradually become a senior player in the dressing room you end up on that side.

“I’m really glad that the manager saw it in me and the management team saw it in me to take on this role.

“Hopefully the experience of different levels, managers, players and scenarios (will help), you fall back on those when advice is needed. That’s when experience comes into play.

“Hopefully those little pieces of advice get us through the other side.”

Although this role opens up new opportunities for Sadler, the defender is adamant that he will continue to play his part on the field for Walsall.

“It will be a case of seeing how it develops, who knows what will happen in terms of the playing side of things,” he added.

“I will still be remaining on that side and try to play as many games as I possibly can.

“That feedback and talking to the lads will hopefully be beneficial as I’ll be close to the coaching thoughts and the player’s thoughts.

“The game looks very different from the sidelines so hopefully I can give that insight, as well as what the lads are thinking.

“We’re a very young group and an exciting group with some very gifted and talented players who hopefully can have some of my knowledge to improve them.”