Callum Cockerill-Mollett: Mat Sadler can be class in new Walsall role

In June, the club took their option of an extra year in Sadlers playing contract, keeping the 35-year-old at the Banks's Stadium for the 2020/21 campaign.

Alongside that deal, he has moved into a coaching role after Marcus Stewart left the club.

Now, young defender Cockerill-Mollett believes Sadler will be a bridge between the players and the management team.

"He will be top class in that role," he said. "His aura was already like a coach.

"He has the banter with the players as well, so he has a good mix.

"It will be the link between the manager and the players, that's very important.

"He was sort of doing it anyway, as vice captain, and particularly when Clarkey (James Clarke) was injured.

"It's good to have people on the team who know him well and are close to him, like Sinco (Stuart Sinclair).

"If we have a problem we can pass it on to them."

Meanwhile, Cockerill-Mollett has remained coy on the club's ambitions next season.

The 21-year-old has been open about his desire to lock down a starting XI place next season, after making 15 appearances last campaign.

The defender has had to overcome injury woes but he is determined to earn his place. However, when asked what they squad's ambitions are for next season, he was coy with the details.

"We have a settled squad and my ambition is to get as many appearances as possible," he added.

"We have a very good squad, towards the end of last season we were competing with the teams that went up in terms of form.

"Hopefully we'll be in a good, strong position next season."